Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Important Clasico Talking Points

It was nearly an ideal day from Real Madrid, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico and increase the gap at the top of La Liga by five points.

The English midfielder notched his first league goal and setup this campaign after a challenging spell healing from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe showed his lethal touch in front of goal, and the manager's strategy during his debut derby in the dugout proved brilliantly.

However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.

Dissatisfied at coming off, Vinicius ranted as he walked directly past the coach and marched down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Delivers Results for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their debut league meeting with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced its first major result.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, and Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

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

This approach looks to be good news for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, With the French midfielder in the center, this provides increased movement and more ways to block the spaces.”

“That forced the team to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

He was told to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

However there have been various accounts lately that the club would consider selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

The winger will have a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

After winning each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Absences have left without the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

Balague said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems

Pamela Neal
Pamela Neal

A seasoned luxury lifestyle writer with over a decade of experience covering high-end fashion and exclusive travel destinations.