Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Strains Escalate – Important El Clasico Highlights
It was almost a perfect outing for Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico and increase their lead at the top in La Liga by five points.
Bellingham got his first league goal along with setup this term after a difficult spell recovering from a shoulder operation.
The French forward showed his lethal performance when scoring, and Alonso's tactics during his debut Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.
However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.
Frustrated with his substitution, the star forward protested on his way directly past his manager before stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing to the bench several minutes.
Tactical Setup Yields Results from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their first La Liga match with their rivals.
Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach delivered an important victory.
An expert observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
The tactical change looks to be good news for Bellingham, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in the center and additional duties.
Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and assist the attack or enter the box.
Balague added, With the French midfielder in the middle, this provides greater energy and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”
This led to them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to track the forward's positioning on the ball with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life challenging.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet recently there were numerous stories lately that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.
The winger will have a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted late in the game indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.
The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million to sign him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and the player at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
After winning all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.
Balague stated, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
They are more vulnerable to break them down. When the backline is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. Yamal appears he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues