The Madrid Giants Impressive but Vinicius Junior Strains Grow – Important Clasico Takeaways
This proved to be practically a perfect day from the Madrid side, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico and extend their advantage in first place of La Liga to five points.
The English midfielder scored his inaugural league goal and key pass this term following a difficult period recovering from a shoulder operation.
The French forward maintained his clinical form in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first derby as coach functioned like a charm.
However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.
Frustrated at his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained on his way right by Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, before returning to the bench later.
Tactical Setup Gets Success for Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's recent managers were defeated in their initial league match with Barca.
After the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.
An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, while the visitors didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”
This approach seems positive for Jude, who in the past had been tasked to do everything in midfield and beyond.
On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and additional options to close down the channels.”
As a result the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he found him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to block central spaces creating Barca's task challenging.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him rang out repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.
Yet there have been various accounts lately that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.
He will have one season to go on his deal come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated tension. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you feel on the verge of number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million to sign him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and the player at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in all four of recent derbies, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky early form.
Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.
The expert said, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.
“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue
