Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Tensions Intensify β Important Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be almost an ideal day from the Madrid side, who overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend their lead at the summit in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham got his inaugural league goal along with key pass of the season following a tough few months healing from shoulder surgery.
The French forward continued his deadly performance when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico on the sidelines functioned brilliantly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.
Unhappy at being substituted, Vinicius ranted as he walked straight past his manager and stormed to the dressing room, then returning to the bench several minutes.
Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their first league encounter with their rivals.
After the relaxed style under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.
A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.β
When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even the forward.β
Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barcelona were unable to break through.β
The tactical change looks to be positive for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to do everything in the center and beyond.
Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
The expert stated, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.β
βThat forced the team to deploy Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.β
His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barca's task challenging.β
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.
But recently there were numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid was made.
He has one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
The expert noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.β
However, from a young age, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.β
βThat mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself near the best player, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.β
Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.β
He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him β justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required β in his mind he questions why always me?.β
βIt will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and the player at the moment.β
Barcelona Style βStrugglesβ
After winning each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing in their absence.
The analyst said, βIt'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.β
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.β
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.
βTheir stars weren't at their best. Lamine appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues