The Madrid Giants Commanding but Vinicius Strains Intensify – Major El Clasico Talking Points
The match represented practically a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 during El Clasico and increase their lead at the summit of La Liga to five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his first goal in the league along with key pass of the season after a difficult few months coming back from shoulder surgery.
The French forward continued his clinical form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines functioned brilliantly.
But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.
Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward complained while walking straight past Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.
Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's previous eight coaches were defeated in their first La Liga encounter against Barca.
Following the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach yielded an important victory.
Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, everybody even the forward.”
“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change appears to be positive for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and more.
Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly his role included to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barca's task very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his chant was chanted multiple times by a fervent home supporters.
But multiple numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.
He has one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction after coming off late in the game spoke of issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.
The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he has perceived that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and the player at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
After winning all four of previous campaign's matches, this outing represented their uncertain beginning of the season.
Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.
The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue