Real Madrid Commanding but Vinicius Strains Grow – Important Clasico Highlights
It was practically a flawless day from the Madrid side, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico to increase the gap in first place in La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham scored his first domestic strike and assist this campaign after a tough few months coming back from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal performance in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico on the sidelines functioned like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.
Frustrated with coming off, the star forward protested while walking right by his manager and headed to the dressing room, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.
Alonso System Gets Success from Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their debut league encounter against Barcelona.
Following the player-focused method from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even the forward.”
Their defensive setup with two banks separated by a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The new system appears to be good news for Jude, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.
On paper the young star played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst stated, “By using Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and additional options to block the spaces.”
This led to them to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he found him a few times.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play challenging.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.
Yet there have been countless reports lately that the club would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.
He will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you feel close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and the player now.”
Their System “Struggles”
After winning each of the recent Clasicos, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Absences have robbed the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.
The analyst stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, like on the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.
Key players weren't at their best. The youngster appears he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue