Real Madrid Commanding yet Vinicius Issues Grow – Important Clasico Talking Points

It was nearly an ideal day for the Madrid side, as they beat their arch-rivals two goals to one during the famous derby to stretch their lead at the summit of La Liga to five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural domestic strike and key pass this campaign after a tough spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical touch in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Frustrated with his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past his manager and marched down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their first La Liga meeting against their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

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

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

This approach seems good news for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The analyst continued, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

As a result them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and make the opponent's play tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

Yet there have been various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

Vinicius will have a year left on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game suggested tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, particularly since you believe close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal seems not he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems

Eric Mitchell
Eric Mitchell

A former casino dealer turned gaming analyst, specializing in slot machine mechanics and player psychology.