Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Important Spanish Derby Talking Points
It was nearly an ideal performance for Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby to stretch their advantage in first place in the Spanish league to five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal and setup this term following a tough spell coming back from a shoulder operation.
The French forward showed his lethal performance in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.
Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger complained while walking straight past Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then coming back to the substitute area several minutes.
Manager's Approach Delivers Results for Jude Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's recent coaches lost their initial La Liga match with Barcelona.
After the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach produced its first major result.
Spanish football analyst observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, and Barcelona didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, all players even the forward.”
The team's shape with two banks with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”
The new system looks to be positive for the midfielder, who last season was expected to do everything in the center and additional duties.
Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he could to come inside and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The analyst added, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to put Jude wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”
He was told to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.
But there have been various accounts lately that Los Blancos could entertain selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.
The winger will have a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated issues. When the match ended, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The analyst commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he's felt that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and him at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
After winning each of the recent matches, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.
The expert stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”
The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.
Key players did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue