Real Madrid Strong however Vinicius Junior Strains Intensify – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
The match represented nearly an ideal performance for Real Madrid, who overcame Barcelona 2-1 during El Clasico to stretch the gap at the summit in La Liga to five points.
The English midfielder got his inaugural league goal along with assist this term after a challenging period coming back from a shoulder operation.
The French forward showed his clinical form in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut derby as coach functioned brilliantly.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.
Dissatisfied with coming off, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked straight past the coach before marched down the tunnel, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.
Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their first league match against Barcelona.
After the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.
Spanish football analyst commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while Barcelona were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”
Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”
“They defended in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
This approach appears to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.
On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague added, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and more ways to shut down the channels.”
This led to the team to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he located him a few times.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”
Strained Relations Exposed
It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
Yet multiple numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos might think about selling him should a suitable bid arrived.
He will have a year left under his current terms when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you feel on the verge of the top star, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million to sign him and let him go.”
This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and him now.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain early form.
Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective without them.
Balague commented, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.
Key players were below par. Lamine seems not he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues