Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Tensions Intensify – Important Clasico Takeaways
This proved to be nearly a flawless performance for the Madrid side, who overcame Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico to extend the gap at the top in La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and setup this campaign following a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico in the dugout worked perfectly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.
Frustrated at being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained while walking straight past the coach and stormed to the dressing room, then returning to the bench several minutes.
Manager's Approach Delivers Results from the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their first league match with their rivals.
After the laissez-faire method from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and Barca didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines separated by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”
The tactical change looks to be positive for Jude, as he last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and more.
On paper the young star started wide right, but in practice he could to come inside and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces creating the opponent's play tough.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his name rang out repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.
But recently there were various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
He will have one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.
The player's reaction after coming off in the second half suggested tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.
The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you feel near the best player, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”
He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius currently.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is failing when they are missing.
Balague said, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case the first goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.
Key players were below par. Lamine appears in top condition, maybe due to injury issues