Real Madrid Commanding however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Major Clasico Talking Points
It was almost a perfect performance for the Madrid side, who defeated Barca two goals to one during the famous derby to stretch their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league to five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league and assist this campaign after a difficult period recovering from a shoulder operation.
The French forward maintained his clinical touch when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his first derby on the sidelines functioned perfectly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.
Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way directly past his manager before headed to the dressing room, before returning on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Gets Results from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their initial league encounter with their rivals.
Following the player-focused approach under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system yielded a significant outcome.
A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, while Barcelona didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two lines spaced by a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”
The new system seems beneficial for Bellingham, as he last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.
In the lineup the young star started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague stated, “By using the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and better ability to block the spaces.”
This led to them to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, and he found him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life tough.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
Yet there have been countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.
The winger has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.
Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you believe near the top star, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he's felt that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he says why always me?.”
It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in all four of last season's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.
The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. Lamine seems not he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues