🔗 Share this article Real Madrid Strong yet Vinicius Issues Grow – Major Clasico Takeaways The match represented nearly a flawless performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals two goals to one in El Clasico to increase their lead at the top in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion. Bellingham got his first league goal along with key pass this term after a difficult period healing from surgery on his shoulder. Mbappe continued his lethal performance in attack, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly. However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again. Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward protested as he walked directly past the coach before stormed off the pitch, then reappearing to the substitute area after a short while. Alonso System Delivers Success for the Midfielder As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their initial league meeting against Barcelona. After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome. Spanish football analyst noted, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, and the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.” When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.” The team's shape in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.” This approach looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who last season was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties. Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions. Balague stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings greater energy and better ability to close down the spaces.” “That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to track Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.” He was told to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play tough.” Conflict Issues Exposed It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd. However recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos would consider selling him if the right offer arrived. The winger will have one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill. Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal. Balague said, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.” “But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.” “That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself close to being the top star, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.” Recently he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.” “He feels all that, so when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.” Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and the player now.” Barca's Approach “Falls Apart” Following victories in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign. Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and his system is failing without them. Balague commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to get the possession back.” Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, like on the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down those on the ball adequately.” The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained. “Their stars did not perform well. Yamal appears in top condition, possibly because of injury issues