Real Madrid Impressive but Vinicius Issues Escalate – Key Clasico Takeaways
This proved to be practically a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to stretch the gap at the top in La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league along with setup this term following a difficult spell healing from a shoulder operation.
The French forward maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more.
Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward protested while walking straight past his manager and headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the substitute area after a short while.
Tactical Setup Yields Results for Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with Barcelona.
Following the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. The home side performed excellently, while the visitors didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two layers separated by a short distance. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he in the past was expected to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.
Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
However there have been various accounts in recent months that Real Madrid would consider selling him if an attractive proposal was made.
He has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
His response when substituted in the second half spoke of tension. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
The expert commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has existed amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you believe near the top star, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for him and sell him.”
He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he thinks why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him now.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Following victories in each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.
The expert commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”
The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
Key players were below par. Yamal appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue