Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Strains Grow – Key Clasico Highlights

The match represented practically a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one in the famous derby and extend the gap in first place in La Liga to five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden domestic strike along with setup of the season after a difficult period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward showed his clinical performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico in the dugout functioned like a charm.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Frustrated with coming off, the Brazilian winger complained as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench later.

Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's recent coaches lost their initial league match with Barca.

After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.

Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be good news for Jude, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst stated, “By using the French midfielder in the center, it brings greater energy and more ways to block the channels.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to track the forward's positioning in possession with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.

Vinicius will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you believe close to being the top star, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he says why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the recent derbies, this outing represented Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and his system is not effective without them.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was neutralized.

The big names were below par. Lamine seems not he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues

David Alexander
David Alexander

Elara Vance is an investigative journalist with over a decade of experience covering international affairs and political developments across Europe.