Real Madrid Impressive but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Major Clasico Takeaways
The match represented almost an ideal performance for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barca two goals to one during the famous derby to stretch their lead at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league along with key pass this campaign after a difficult spell recovering from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.
Dissatisfied with coming off, Vinicius complained as he walked directly past the coach before stormed off the pitch, before coming back on the sidelines several minutes.
Alonso System Gets Success for Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting against their rivals.
Following the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.
An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, all players including the forward.”
“They defended in two layers spaced by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”
The new system seems beneficial for Jude, who in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.
In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The expert continued, “By using Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and better ability to shut down the spaces.”
“That forced the team to put Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
Yet recently there were numerous stories in recent months that the club would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.
He will have a year left on his deal when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
His response when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.
The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you believe on the verge of the top star, but the team redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”
Recently he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and him currently.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
After winning all four of last season's matches, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing without them.
Balague stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.
“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue