Real Madrid Commanding however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Major El Clasico Takeaways
This proved to be nearly a perfect day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca 2-1 during the famous derby and extend their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham notched his first goal in the league and setup of the season following a tough spell recovering from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe showed his clinical form in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico as coach worked perfectly.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.
Dissatisfied at coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked directly past the coach and stormed off the pitch, before coming back on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Yields Results from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Real's previous eight bosses lost their first La Liga meeting against their rivals.
Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.
A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”
The team's shape in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
This approach appears to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was expected to do everything in the engine room and more.
Theoretically the young star played on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
Balague added, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings greater energy and more ways to block the channels.”
This led to them to put Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.”
He was told to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make Barca's task very difficult.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.
Yet there have been countless reports lately that the club might think about allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
The winger has a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The analyst noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself near the best player, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he believes that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations with the club and him now.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
After winning each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky early form.
Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.
The expert stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down those on the ball as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.
Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue