🔗 Share this article Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Tensions Escalate – Key Spanish Derby Highlights It was practically an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barca 2-1 during El Clasico and extend the gap in first place of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion. Jude Bellingham notched his maiden league goal along with setup this campaign after a challenging spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder. Mbappe maintained his lethal performance when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout worked brilliantly. Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more. Dissatisfied at coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way right by his manager and headed down the tunnel, before coming back to the substitute area several minutes. Manager's Approach Delivers Success for Jude Bellingham In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight managers lost their first league match against Barca. Following the laissez-faire style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach delivered its first major result. A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona struggled due to the home team's approach.” Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.” The team's shape in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.” The new system appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties. On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions. The analyst continued, “By using the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.” As a result the team to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, and he located him repeatedly.” He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task very difficult.” Strained Relations Revealed Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd. Yet recently there were numerous stories over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived. The winger has one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill. Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal. The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.” However, from a young age, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.” This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you believe on the verge of the best player, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.” Recently he's felt that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of €250 million for him and let him go.” “He feels all that, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.” “It will be difficult to mend relations with the club and Vinicius now.” Barcelona Style “Crumbles” Following victories in all four of last season's matches, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing early form. Absences have left without Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence. The analyst stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.” They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging those on the ball adequately.” Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained. The big names were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue