The Madrid Giants Impressive yet Vinicius Issues Escalate – Major El Clasico Talking Points
It was almost a perfect performance from the Madrid side, as they overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby to extend their advantage at the summit in La Liga to five points.
The English midfielder notched his first goal in the league and key pass of the season following a tough few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe continued his lethal touch when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico as coach worked like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.
Frustrated at being substituted, Vinicius complained on his way right by the coach before stormed to the dressing room, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's previous eight managers were defeated in their debut league match with Barcelona.
After the player-focused method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach yielded its first major result.
An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”
The team's shape in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”
The tactical change appears to be good news for the midfielder, as he previously was expected to carry the midfield in the center and more.
On paper Bellingham played on the right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst continued, With the French midfielder in the middle, this provides increased movement and additional options to block the channels.”
“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet multiple numerous stories over the past period that the club might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid were to come in.
He has one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.
Balague noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you feel on the verge of the best player, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
Recently he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius now.”
Their System “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system is failing in their absence.
Balague commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.
“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of injury issues