Los Blancos Strong however Vinicius Junior Tensions Intensify – Important El Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be nearly a perfect performance from Real Madrid, who beat Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico to increase their lead at the top of the domestic championship to five points.
Jude Bellingham got his first goal in the league along with key pass this campaign following a tough few months recovering from a shoulder operation.
The French forward showed his clinical form in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first derby in the dugout functioned brilliantly.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.
Unhappy at coming off, the star forward protested as he walked straight past the coach before headed to the dressing room, before returning on the sidelines later.
Manager's Approach Yields Success from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's previous eight managers were defeated in their first league encounter with Barca.
Following the relaxed style from the previous coach fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.
An expert commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
This approach appears to be good news for the midfielder, who previously was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.
On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert added, With the French midfielder in the center, this provides increased movement and better ability to block the spaces.”
“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball 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 is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.
However multiple countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.
Vinicius has a year left under his current terms when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.
Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”
However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe near number one in the world, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he's felt that the club has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and him at the moment.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
After winning all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.
The expert commented, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging those on the ball adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue