Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Junior Strains Escalate – Important Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be nearly a flawless day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona two goals to one during the famous derby to stretch their lead at the top in the Spanish league to five points.
Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and setup this term after a difficult period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe showed his deadly performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking directly past Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, before coming back on the sidelines later.
Tactical Setup Yields Success from the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's last eight managers lost their first league encounter with Barca.
After the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.
A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while Barcelona struggled due to the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”
The tactical change looks to be good news for the midfielder, as he last season was essentially asked to do everything in the center and more.
In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The expert added, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and better ability to shut down the spaces.”
As a result the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, connecting with him on several occasions.”
He was told to enter the area and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.
But multiple countless reports in recent months that the club could entertain selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.
The winger has one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
His response to being replaced late in the game spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
The analyst noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain early form.
Fitness issues have deprived the manager of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.
The analyst said, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the first goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.
“Their stars were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue