🔗 Share this article Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Key Spanish Derby Talking Points This proved to be practically a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barca two goals to one in the Clasico to stretch the gap in first place in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion. Jude Bellingham notched his first domestic strike and key pass of the season following a difficult period recovering from surgery on his shoulder. The French forward showed his lethal performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly. But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more. Dissatisfied with coming off, the star forward protested as he walked directly past his manager and marched to the dressing room, then coming back to the substitute area later. Manager's Approach Yields Success for Jude Bellingham In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their first league match against Barcelona. Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system yielded a significant outcome. A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and Barca were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.” Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back with discipline, all players even the forward.” The team's shape in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.” The tactical change appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond. In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he could to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions. The expert added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.” As a result them to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.” His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life tough.” Vinicius Tensions Revealed There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans. However multiple various accounts lately that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer arrived. Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled. Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal. The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo who replaced him.” However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.” Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe close to being the best player, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.” “This season he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.” “He feels all that, so when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.” “It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius now.” Barca's Approach “Falls Apart” After winning all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season. Fitness issues have robbed the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing. The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.” “It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.” Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check. The big names weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of injury issues