Real Madrid Strong however Vinicius Junior Tensions Escalate – Major Clasico Talking Points
The match represented practically a flawless day for the Madrid side, who overcame Barca two goals to one in the famous derby to stretch their lead at the top in the Spanish league to five points.
The English midfielder notched his inaugural domestic strike and key pass of the season following a tough few months healing from a shoulder operation.
The French forward showed his clinical form in attack, while the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico on the sidelines worked like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.
Dissatisfied with being substituted, Vinicius protested on his way directly past his manager and stormed off the pitch, before reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Yields Success for Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga encounter with Barca.
After the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system produced its first major result.
A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even the forward.”
“They defended in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”
The tactical change looks to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.
Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The expert stated, “By using the French midfielder in the center, this provides greater energy and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”
This led to them to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life tough.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet multiple countless reports lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him if the right offer was made.
He has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
His response after coming off late in the game indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
The expert noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you feel close to being number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros for him and sell him.”
He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he questions why single me out?’.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and Vinicius now.”
Their System “Crumbles”
After winning all four of last season's derbies, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing when they are missing.
Balague commented, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.
“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue