Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Issues Escalate – Important Clasico Talking Points
The match represented almost an ideal performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca two goals to one in the Clasico and stretch their lead at the summit of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural league goal and assist of the season following a difficult few months coming back from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly form in attack, while the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.
Unhappy at his substitution, the star forward ranted on his way straight past the coach before stormed off the pitch, before reappearing to the bench after a short while.
Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder
In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with their rivals.
After the player-focused method from the previous coach fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.
An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, all players even the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”
The tactical change seems beneficial for Jude, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in the center and more.
Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
Balague added, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get increased movement and additional options to block the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to position Jude wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”
He was told to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play tough.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his name rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
But there have been numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
Vinicius will have one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he believes that the club has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”
He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he questions why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Following victories in all four of recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.
Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.
Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”
Yamal, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.
Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues