The Madrid Giants Impressive but Vinicius Issues Intensify – Important El Clasico Takeaways
It was almost an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to extend their lead in first place in the Spanish league to five points.
The English midfielder notched his inaugural domestic strike along with assist this campaign after a tough few months coming back from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his clinical form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.
Frustrated at his substitution, Vinicius complained as he walked straight past his manager and headed off the pitch, then coming back to the substitute area later.
Alonso System Gets Success for the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their initial league encounter with their rivals.
Following the player-focused approach under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, his structured approach yielded its first major result.
A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated with discipline, all players including the forward.”
Their defensive setup with two banks separated by a short distance. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change appears to be good news for Jude, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.
In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, however he could to move centrally and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert added, With Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and better ability to block the channels.”
As a result the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”
He was told to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play very difficult.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet recently there were numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.
The winger will have one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated tension. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
Balague commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he believes that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he questions why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and him currently.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
Following victories in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working without them.
The expert stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”
“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball adequately.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was well contained.
The big names were below par. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue