Real Madrid Strong however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Major El Clasico Talking Points
It was nearly a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca two goals to one in the Clasico to stretch the gap in first place in the domestic championship by five points.
The English midfielder got his first domestic strike and setup this term following a difficult period coming back from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe showed his deadly touch when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation emerged again yet again.
Frustrated with his substitution, Vinicius ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the substitute area later.
Manager's Approach Delivers Results from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's last eight bosses lost their first La Liga encounter against Barca.
Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.
Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The new system looks to be good news for Bellingham, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.
In the lineup the young star played on the right, but actually he could to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst continued, With the French midfielder in the middle, it brings greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to position Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to track the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”
“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause Barca's task tough.”
Strained Relations Revealed
It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted multiple times by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
Yet multiple countless reports lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him if an attractive proposal was made.
Vinicius has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.
The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you feel on the verge of the best player, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he believes that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and the player now.”
Their System “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the recent derbies, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the manager of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.
The expert said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”
Yamal, the main threat earlier, was kept largely in check.
Key players were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems