Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
It was practically a perfect day from the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico to extend their advantage at the summit of the Spanish league to five points.
The English midfielder got his first domestic strike and assist this campaign following a tough few months coming back from shoulder surgery.
The French forward continued his deadly performance when scoring, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.
Frustrated with coming off, Vinicius complained as he walked straight past the coach before marched down the tunnel, before coming back on the sidelines after a short while.
Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes from Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their debut La Liga encounter with Barca.
Following the relaxed approach under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”
This approach appears to be beneficial for Jude, who in the past had been tasked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.
Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague added, Employing the French midfielder in the center, this provides more dynamism and more ways to close down the spaces.”
“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”
“He was asked to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barca's task very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
However recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.
He has one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.
Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship 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.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you believe on the verge of the best player, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he believes that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”
This affects him, and when he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and him currently.”
Their System “Crumbles”
After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain early form.
Fitness issues have left without the manager of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.
Balague said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue