Los Blancos Impressive however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key Clasico Talking Points

The match represented nearly an ideal performance for the Madrid side, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico and extend their lead in first place in the Spanish league by five points.

Bellingham scored his maiden league goal along with assist this campaign after a tough spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward continued his lethal touch in attack, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained while walking right by his manager and headed down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Tactical Setup Yields Results from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, given that seven of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their first La Liga encounter against Barca.

After the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, everybody even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The new system seems positive for Bellingham, as he last season was expected to do everything in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides more dynamism and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

This led to them to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

However recently there were countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid was made.

The winger has one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

His response to being replaced in the second half spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

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

Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you believe on the verge of the best player, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he has perceived that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and his system is failing when they are missing.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. Lamine appears he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems

Jeff Wright
Jeff Wright

Elara is a passionate writer and environmental advocate, sharing her journey towards a balanced and eco-friendly life.