Real Madrid Impressive yet Vinicius Issues Grow – Major Clasico Highlights
The match represented nearly a perfect performance from the Madrid side, as they overcame Barca two goals to one during the Clasico and stretch their lead in first place in La Liga with a five-point cushion.
The English midfielder got his first domestic strike and setup this campaign following a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics during his debut derby as coach worked perfectly.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.
Frustrated with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by his manager and marched down the tunnel, then coming back to the bench later.
Alonso System Delivers Results from the Midfielder
In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's recent coaches lost their first league match with Barcelona.
After the relaxed style from the previous coach did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.
A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, while the visitors were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup with two banks separated by a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”
This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and more.
On paper Bellingham played on the right, however he could to come inside and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The expert stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and additional options to close down the channels.”
As a result the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life challenging.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.
Yet recently there were numerous stories lately that the club could entertain selling him if the right offer were to come in.
The winger will have a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.
The player's reaction after coming off in the second half spoke of issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you believe close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he has perceived that the club is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and the player now.”
Their System “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.
Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system isn't working without them.
Balague commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging those on the ball adequately.”
Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars were below par. Yamal seems not he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue