The Madrid Giants Strong however Vinicius Issues Grow – Important Clasico Takeaways
This proved to be practically a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to stretch their lead at the summit in La Liga by five points.
Bellingham got his inaugural league goal and setup this campaign after a challenging spell healing from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his lethal form in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.
Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward protested while walking directly past his manager before marched down the tunnel, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.
Alonso System Yields Success for the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their first league encounter against Barcelona.
After the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two layers with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
This approach looks to be good news for the midfielder, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.
In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he could to move centrally and support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”
“That forced the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task tough.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.
Yet recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.
Vinicius will have a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted late in the game spoke of strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
Balague said, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself near the best player, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and the player now.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.
Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective in their absence.
The analyst commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues