Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Tensions Intensify – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
The match represented nearly an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to extend the gap in first place in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham scored his first domestic strike and key pass this campaign after a difficult period healing from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe showed his clinical form when scoring, while the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.
Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained as he walked directly past the coach before headed down the tunnel, before coming back to the substitute area later.
Tactical Setup Yields Success for Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's last eight bosses lost their initial La Liga encounter against Barcelona.
After the player-focused method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.
A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled due to the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, all players even the forward.”
“They defended in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The tactical change looks to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in the center and beyond.
Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he could to come inside and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
Balague continued, With the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings greater energy and better ability to block the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to put Jude wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
Undoubtedly that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
However recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos might think about selling him if the right offer arrived.
Vinicius has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.
The expert commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself near number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”
“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and him currently.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
Following victories in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective without them.
The analyst commented, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”
Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.
Key players were below par. The youngster appears he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems