🔗 Share this article Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Key Clasico Highlights It was almost an ideal outing from the Madrid side, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one during the Clasico to stretch their lead at the top in La Liga by five points. The English midfielder got his first goal in the league along with assist of the season after a difficult few months recovering from shoulder surgery. The French forward showed his clinical touch when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico in the dugout worked brilliantly. But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again. Frustrated at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by his manager and marched off the pitch, before reappearing to the bench after a short while. Alonso System Yields Success for Bellingham As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Real's recent coaches lost their first La Liga encounter against Barca. Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced its first major result. A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, while Barca were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.” Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.” The team's shape with two banks with a gap of a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.” This approach appears to be good news for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and beyond. Theoretically the young star started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or get into scoring positions. The analyst added, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and additional options to shut down the channels.” “That forced them to put Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.” His instructions included to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play challenging.” Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, calls for him rang out multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd. But multiple countless reports lately that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in. Vinicius will have one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled. Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal. The expert noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.” “But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.” Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you believe on the verge of number one in the world, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.” “This season he believes that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.” He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.” Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and the player at the moment.” Barcelona Style “Crumbles” After winning each of the recent derbies, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky start to the campaign. Fitness issues have robbed the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence. Balague said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.” They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as expected.” Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized. “Their stars did not perform well. Lamine seems not he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue