The Madrid Giants Impressive but Vinicius Issues Grow – Major Clasico Talking Points
It was nearly an ideal outing for Real Madrid, as they overcame Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico to increase their lead at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural league goal and key pass of the season following a tough spell coming back from shoulder surgery.
The French forward showed his deadly performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout proved brilliantly.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward protested while walking right by Xabi Alonso before marched down the tunnel, before reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.
Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder
In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's last eight bosses lost their first La Liga meeting against Barca.
Following the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.
Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca struggled because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”
The team's shape in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”
The new system appears to be good news for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.
Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst continued, With Camavinga in central midfield, you get more dynamism and more ways to shut down the spaces.”
“That forced the team to deploy Jude wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to track the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barca's task challenging.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.
However recently there were various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.
The winger has one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.
The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has existed amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he says why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius currently.”
Their System “Struggles”
After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.
Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.
The expert said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”
Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.
The big names did not perform well. The youngster appears he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue