Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Issues Intensify – Key El Clasico Talking Points
It was practically an ideal day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 during El Clasico and extend their lead at the top in La Liga by five points.
Bellingham notched his maiden league goal along with key pass this term after a challenging few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward showed his lethal form in front of goal, and the coach's game plan during his debut derby in the dugout proved like a charm.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.
Frustrated at coming off, the star forward ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and marched to the dressing room, before reappearing on the sidelines later.
Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's recent coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga match with their rivals.
After the laissez-faire method from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.
An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, and Barcelona struggled due to the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”
The team's shape with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and more.
In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, however he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague stated, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings increased movement and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to put Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he found him a few times.”
He was told to enter the 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 Barcelona's life challenging.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.
However multiple numerous stories lately that Real Madrid might think about selling him if the right offer was made.
Vinicius will have one season to go on his deal come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.
His response when substituted late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The expert noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he believes that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
Following victories in each of the recent Clasicos, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system isn't working without them.
Balague said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down those on the ball as expected.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.
The big names were below par. Lamine seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue