Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Issues Escalate – Key Clasico Takeaways
It was almost a perfect outing from the Madrid side, who defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby and extend their advantage at the summit of the Spanish league by five points.
The English midfielder notched his inaugural domestic strike and assist this term after a tough spell healing from shoulder surgery.
Mbappe continued his clinical performance in attack, and the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.
Frustrated at being substituted, Vinicius complained while walking right by the coach before stormed down the tunnel, before returning to the bench after a short while.
Tactical Setup Delivers Results for Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's recent managers were defeated in their first La Liga match with Barca.
After the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.
A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The new system seems beneficial for Jude, who in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.
Theoretically the young star started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst stated, With the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings increased movement and more ways to block the passing lanes.”
“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play challenging.”
Strained Relations Exposed
It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him were sung multiple times by the passionate home supporters.
However there have been countless reports lately that the club would consider selling him should a suitable bid arrived.
He has a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game suggested tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself close to being the best player, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and him at the moment.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in all four of last season's matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.
Balague stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped from the attack not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”
Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue