Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Major Clasico Highlights

This proved to be nearly an ideal day for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby and stretch their advantage at the top in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his inaugural goal in the league and assist of the season following a challenging spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe continued his deadly touch when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked like a charm.

Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.

Unhappy at his substitution, the star forward protested on his way directly past the coach and marched to the dressing room, before returning to the bench later.

Alonso System Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their first league meeting against Barca.

Following the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, while the visitors were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The new system seems positive for Bellingham, as he in the past had been tasked to do everything in the center and beyond.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The expert continued, “By using Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and additional options to shut down the channels.”

As a result the team to put Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.

But multiple various accounts lately that the club would consider selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

The winger has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that the club is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain early form.

Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.

Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue