🔗 Share this article Los Blancos Impressive yet Vinicius Junior Tensions Intensify – Important Spanish Derby Talking Points It was almost a flawless day for Real Madrid, who beat Barcelona 2-1 during the famous derby and stretch the gap in first place of La Liga to five points. The English midfielder scored his maiden league goal and assist of the season following a difficult spell recovering from shoulder surgery. Mbappe maintained his lethal form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics during his debut derby as coach worked perfectly. Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time. Frustrated with coming off, the star forward protested as he walked right by the coach and stormed down the tunnel, before returning to the bench several minutes. Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's last eight coaches lost their debut league meeting with Barca. Following the player-focused method under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded an important victory. A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, while Barcelona were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.” Defensively, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, all players even Vinicius.” Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.” The tactical change seems good news for Jude, who in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond. On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions. The expert continued, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and more ways to block the passing lanes.” As a result them to deploy Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he found him on several occasions.” He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.” Strained Relations Revealed Undoubtedly that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters. However there have been countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal was made. Vinicius has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have stalled. Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player. The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.” “But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.” Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being the top star, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.” “This season he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million to sign him and sell him.” “He feels all that, and when he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he thinks why always me?.” Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.” Barca's Approach “Crumbles” Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign. Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them. Balague said, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.” Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball as expected.” Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized. The big names did not perform well. Lamine seems not he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues