The Madrid Giants Strong however Vinicius Strains Escalate – Important El Clasico Highlights
The match represented nearly a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico and extend their advantage at the top in the Spanish league to five points.
Jude Bellingham got his maiden league goal and assist this campaign after a difficult spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines worked like a charm.
However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.
Frustrated with being substituted, the star forward complained while walking straight past his manager before stormed off the pitch, then reappearing to the substitute area later.
Tactical Setup Yields Success for Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their first La Liga meeting against Barca.
Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.
A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change seems beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.
On paper Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and more ways to block the spaces.”
This led to them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he found him a few times.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
Yet there have been various accounts lately that the club might think about selling him should a suitable bid arrived.
He has one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game indicated issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.
The analyst noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself near the top star, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he has perceived that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”
This affects him, and when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and him at the moment.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Following victories in each of the recent matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing without them.
Balague stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
Key players did not perform well. The youngster seems not he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues