The Madrid Giants Strong however Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Key Spanish Derby Takeaways
It was practically a flawless day from Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals two goals to one in El Clasico to increase the gap at the summit of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham got his maiden league goal along with assist of the season after a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal touch when scoring, while the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.
Frustrated with coming off, Vinicius complained on his way directly past the coach before stormed off the pitch, before returning on the sidelines later.
Alonso System Yields Success for Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's recent managers lost their initial league meeting with their rivals.
Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.
An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona struggled because of the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines separated by a short distance. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
This approach appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to do everything in the center and additional duties.
In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The analyst added, “By using the French midfielder in the center, it brings more dynamism and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”
As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he found him a few times.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name rang out on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.
Yet recently there were countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.
The winger will have a year left on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.
The player's reaction after coming off late in the game spoke of strained relations. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
The expert said, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you feel on the verge of number one in the world, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he has perceived that the club is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
After winning all four of recent matches, the latest display represented their uncertain start to the campaign.
Injuries have deprived the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.
The expert stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the first goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
The big names were below par. Yamal appears in top condition, possibly because of injury issues