The Madrid Giants Impressive yet Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Major El Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be practically a flawless performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated Barca 2-1 in the Clasico and extend their advantage at the summit of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal and assist this term after a challenging spell coming back from shoulder surgery.
Mbappe maintained his deadly form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.
Unhappy with being substituted, Vinicius complained while walking straight past his manager and marched to the dressing room, before returning to the bench after a short while.
Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their initial La Liga encounter against Barcelona.
Following the relaxed method from the previous coach did not deliver last season, the new tactical system produced an important victory.
A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were impressive, while Barca were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”
This approach appears to be positive for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.
On paper the young star played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst stated, “By using Camavinga in the center, it brings greater energy and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to track Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, and he found 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 block central spaces and make Barcelona's life challenging.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
However there have been various accounts in recent months that the club might think about letting him leave if the right offer arrived.
Vinicius will have one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted in the second half spoke of tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.
Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you believe on the verge of the best player, but the team drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he believes that the club has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”
This affects him, and when the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and him now.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
After winning all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have left without the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system is not effective without them.
Balague stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal seems not he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems