The Madrid Giants Strong but Vinicius Issues Escalate – Important El Clasico Highlights
It was almost a perfect day from the Madrid side, who beat Barcelona two goals to one in El Clasico to stretch their lead at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.
The English midfielder scored his first domestic strike and assist this term after a difficult period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.
Dissatisfied at being substituted, Vinicius protested on his way directly past his manager and headed off the pitch, before returning on the sidelines later.
Tactical Setup Yields Success for Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's recent bosses lost their first league match with their rivals.
Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced an important victory.
Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”
“They defended with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
This approach seems beneficial for the midfielder, who last season was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and beyond.
In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst added, With Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and better ability to shut down the spaces.”
This led to them to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
Undoubtedly that Madridistas love Vinicius, calls for him rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.
However there have been numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
He will have one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The analyst commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you believe close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the key figure.”
“This season he's felt 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 an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.
Balague stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. Lamine seems not in top condition, maybe due to groin problems