Los Blancos Impressive however Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Important El Clasico Takeaways
The match represented nearly a perfect day for Real Madrid, as they defeated Barca two goals to one in the famous derby to increase their advantage in first place in La Liga by five points.
Jude Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and assist this term following a challenging period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical form in attack, while the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.
Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward protested on his way straight past his manager before headed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.
Manager's Approach Yields Success from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's previous eight coaches were defeated in their debut La Liga match with Barca.
After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.
A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.
Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The analyst stated, With Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and more ways to shut down the channels.”
This led to them to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he was instructed to track the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.
But there have been various accounts in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid was made.
He will have a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.
Balague noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you feel close to being the top star, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius now.”
Their System “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Absences have robbed the manager of key players including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is failing without them.
The expert stated, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.
The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems