Real Madrid Commanding yet Vinicius Tensions Intensify – Major Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be almost an ideal performance for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona two goals to one during the famous derby to extend their advantage in first place of the Spanish league to five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his first goal in the league along with key pass this campaign following a tough few months coming back from a shoulder operation.
The French forward continued his deadly touch in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.
But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.
Dissatisfied with his substitution, Vinicius complained on his way directly past his manager before headed to the dressing room, before reappearing to the bench later.
Tactical Setup Yields Success for the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight managers lost their first La Liga meeting with their rivals.
After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.
A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and Barca didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
This approach seems good news for Jude, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.
Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The analyst added, With Camavinga in central midfield, it brings greater energy and additional options to block the spaces.”
As a result them to put Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to track Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”
He was told to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.
But there have been countless reports lately that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.
The winger has one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
His response after coming off late in the game indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.
The analyst said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you believe on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”
This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and the player now.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.
Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.
The analyst stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball as expected.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.
The big names were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems