Real Madrid Strong however Vinicius Strains Grow – Important El Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be practically a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby and stretch their lead at the top in the Spanish league by five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal along with assist this term following a tough few months coming back from a shoulder operation.
The French forward maintained his deadly touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.
Frustrated with coming off, Vinicius complained while walking directly past the coach before marched to the dressing room, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Delivers Success for Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their first league meeting with Barca.
Following the relaxed style under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.
An expert observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, and Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by a short distance. The opposition were unable to break through.”
The tactical change appears to be positive for Jude, who previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.
On paper Bellingham started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague added, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and additional options to block the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to position Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, and he found him a few times.”
He was told to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life tough.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.
However there have been various accounts lately that the club might think about selling him should a suitable bid was made.
The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.
The expert noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is hard to change, especially when you believe close to being number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.
Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing without them.
Balague said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.
The big names were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues