The Madrid Giants Commanding but Vinicius Tensions Grow – Important Clasico Takeaways
It was practically a flawless outing for Real Madrid, who defeated Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico and increase their lead at the summit in La Liga by five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his maiden league goal along with key pass this campaign following a tough few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe showed his lethal performance when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.
Dissatisfied at coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed off the pitch, then returning to the bench after a short while.
Tactical Setup Gets Results for the Midfielder
In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's recent bosses lost their initial league meeting with Barcelona.
After the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded a significant outcome.
A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”
“They defended with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”
This approach seems beneficial for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to do everything in midfield and beyond.
Theoretically the young star played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
Balague continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and more ways to close down the spaces.”
This led to the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he located him repeatedly.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play tough.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant rang out on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.
Yet recently there were countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal was made.
He has one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”
However, from a young age, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being the best player, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he's felt that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”
This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and the player now.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.
Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective without them.
The analyst said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
Key players were below par. The youngster appears he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue