The Madrid Giants Impressive but Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Major Clasico Highlights
This proved to be practically an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame their arch-rivals two goals to one in the famous derby and extend their advantage at the summit in the domestic championship to five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league and key pass of the season after a difficult few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly touch in front of goal, and the manager's strategy during his debut derby as coach proved brilliantly.
However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.
Dissatisfied at his substitution, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked straight past the coach before stormed off the pitch, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.
Tactical Setup Gets Results from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Real's previous eight managers were defeated in their first league meeting against Barca.
After the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, and the visitors didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”
The team's shape in two lines spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The new system appears to be good news for Jude, as he in the past was expected to do everything in the center and more.
Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The expert stated, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, you get increased movement and more ways to block the passing lanes.”
“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barca's task very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.
But multiple various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.
The winger will have one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Yamal.
The analyst commented, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”
This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius currently.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing when they are missing.
Balague commented, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was neutralized.
Key players weren't at their best. Lamine seems not in top condition, possibly because of injury issues