The Madrid Giants Impressive but Vinicius Junior Strains Grow – Important Spanish Derby Highlights
It was almost a flawless performance from Real Madrid, who beat Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico to stretch their advantage at the top of the Spanish league by five points.
The English midfielder scored his maiden league goal along with key pass of the season following a challenging period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in attack, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.
However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.
Frustrated with being substituted, the star forward protested while walking right by Xabi Alonso and marched to the dressing room, then reappearing to the bench later.
Alonso System Delivers Results from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their first La Liga encounter with Barcelona.
Following the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.
A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while Barcelona struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”
Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and more.
In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he could to drift inward and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
The analyst added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and additional options to shut down the channels.”
As a result them to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”
“He was asked to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.
However there have been numerous stories lately that the club might think about selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.
Vinicius has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.
Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for him and sell him.”
This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and him at the moment.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have robbed the manager of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.
The analyst said, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not organized, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.
“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal seems not he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems