Los Blancos Strong however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key El Clasico Talking Points
The match represented almost a flawless outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to extend the gap in first place in the domestic championship to five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural goal in the league and assist this campaign following a difficult spell coming back from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked brilliantly.
However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.
Dissatisfied with being substituted, the star forward complained as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.
Tactical Setup Delivers Results for the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's last eight managers lost their first La Liga encounter with their rivals.
After the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.
An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, and Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, everybody even the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”
This approach seems beneficial for Jude, who in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.
In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he could to come inside and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings more dynamism and more ways to block the channels.”
As a result the team to position Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life challenging.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung multiple times by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
But multiple numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.
He has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have stalled.
His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left suggested strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.
Balague said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you feel close to being number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he believes that the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and him now.”
Their System “Crumbles”
After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.
The expert said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the first goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.
“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues