Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Important El Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be almost a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico and stretch the gap at the top in La Liga by five points.
Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal and assist of the season after a tough few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe showed his lethal performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines proved perfectly.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.
Unhappy at being substituted, Vinicius complained on his way directly past the coach before marched to the dressing room, before coming back on the sidelines after a short while.
Manager's Approach Delivers Results for the Midfielder
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their initial league encounter with Barca.
Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.
A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, while the visitors were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”
The team's shape in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”
The new system seems good news for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and more.
Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert continued, Employing Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and additional options to block the passing lanes.”
This led to them to position Bellingham wide right. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning 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, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.
But multiple numerous stories in recent months that the club could entertain letting him leave if the right offer was made.
The winger has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted in the second half spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for him and sell him.”
This affects him, so when he was taken off – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and him now.”
Their System “Struggles”
After winning all four of previous campaign's matches, this outing highlighted their uncertain early form.
Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working when they are missing.
Balague commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.
“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to groin problems