Real Madrid Commanding but Vinicius Strains Grow – Important Spanish Derby Talking Points
It was practically a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby to stretch the gap in first place in the domestic championship to five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his maiden league goal and key pass this campaign after a challenging few months coming back from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his clinical touch in attack, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.
However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.
Dissatisfied with being substituted, the star forward protested while walking directly past the coach and headed off the pitch, before coming back on the sidelines later.
Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes from Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's last eight bosses were defeated in their first league match against Barcelona.
After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.
An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”
Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two lines spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
The new system appears to be good news for Jude, who in the past was expected to do everything in midfield and more.
In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The analyst continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and better ability to close down the spaces.”
“That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Strained Relations Exposed
There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
But recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.
Vinicius will have one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.
The player's reaction after coming off late in the game indicated tension. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself near the top star, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”
He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.”
Barca's Approach “Crumbles”
After winning all four of recent derbies, this outing represented their uncertain beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.
The expert stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. Yamal seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues