Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key Spanish Derby Takeaways

This proved to be almost a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat their arch-rivals two goals to one during the famous derby and stretch their advantage in first place in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his first league goal along with setup this campaign after a difficult spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical performance in attack, and the coach's game plan during his debut derby in the dugout worked perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.

Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger complained on his way right by Xabi Alonso before stormed to the dressing room, before reappearing to the bench later.

Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their debut league match with Barca.

Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barcelona struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for Jude, as he previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, With the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

This led to the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

He was told to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet there have been various accounts lately that Los Blancos would consider selling him if the right offer were to come in.

He has a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, He will face backlash for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you feel on the verge of the top star, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million for him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's derbies, the latest display highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and his system is not effective when they are missing.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Lamine appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues

Steven West
Steven West

Lena is a tech strategist and keynote speaker, passionate about bridging innovation with real-world applications in digital ecosystems.