The Madrid Giants Strong but Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Important El Clasico Takeaways
This proved to be practically a flawless day from the Madrid side, who overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 during El Clasico to extend the gap at the summit in the domestic championship to five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league along with assist this campaign following a tough spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.
Dissatisfied at coming off, Vinicius protested as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed off the pitch, before reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.
Manager's Approach Yields Results for Jude Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their debut La Liga meeting with Barcelona.
After the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach produced its first major result.
An expert commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”
The team's shape with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”
The new system seems good news for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.
Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he could to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst continued, Employing Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and more ways to block the spaces.”
“That forced the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barca's task very difficult.”
Strained Relations Revealed
Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.
However multiple countless reports in recent months that the club would consider selling him if the right offer was made.
He has one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you believe on the verge of the best player, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and him now.”
Their System “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in all four of recent derbies, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.
Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing without them.
Balague stated, The squad seems are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.
The big names were below par. The youngster appears in top condition, maybe due to groin problems