Real Madrid Impressive but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Major Spanish Derby Talking Points

This proved to be almost a perfect day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico to extend the gap at the summit of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his maiden league goal along with setup of the season after a difficult period healing from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly form in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again yet again.

Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward ranted as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso and marched down the tunnel, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Success from the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their debut league encounter with their rivals.

After the relaxed method under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, and Barcelona were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system seems good news for Jude, who previously was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, but actually he could to come inside and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, “By using Camavinga in the middle, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

He was told to enter the area and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet recently there were countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction after coming off in the second half spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of number one in the world, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he believes that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and the player at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived the manager of key players such as the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and his system is not effective when they are missing.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball as expected.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue

Katelyn Horne
Katelyn Horne

Lena is a professional poker player and coach with over a decade of experience, sharing insights to help players improve their game.