Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Strains Escalate – Key El Clasico Takeaways

The match represented almost a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to stretch the gap in first place in the Spanish league by five points.

The English midfielder scored his first goal in the league and key pass this term following a difficult spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his lethal performance in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first derby on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, Vinicius protested while walking right by the coach before marched down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting with Barca.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver last season, his structured approach delivered its first major result.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who last season had been tasked to do everything in the engine room and more.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides greater energy and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has a year left under his current terms when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst said, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, especially when you feel near the best player, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and him now.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

After winning all four of previous campaign's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the approach is failing in their absence.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue