The Madrid Giants Commanding but Vinicius Junior Strains Grow – Important El Clasico Highlights
This proved to be nearly a flawless performance for the Madrid side, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 during El Clasico and stretch their lead at the summit in La Liga by five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his first goal in the league along with key pass this campaign after a challenging period recovering from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal performance when scoring, while the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.
But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.
Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius protested as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso before marched to the dressing room, before reappearing to the bench after a short while.
Manager's Approach Yields Success from Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their debut league encounter against Barca.
After the relaxed method from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.
Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The new system appears to be beneficial for Jude, who previously was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.
On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, however he could to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The expert added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings more dynamism and additional options to block the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”
He was told to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barca's task very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.
Yet there have been various accounts in recent months that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer was made.
The winger will have a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.
Balague noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and the player now.”
Their System “Crumbles”
After winning all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.
Balague commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the first goal since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.
Key players were below par. The youngster appears in top condition, maybe due to groin problems