The Madrid Giants Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Key Clasico Highlights
It was nearly a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to increase their advantage at the summit of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham got his maiden league goal and setup of the season following a tough spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal form in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut derby in the dugout worked like a charm.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.
Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius ranted while walking right by Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, before returning to the bench after a short while.
Tactical Setup Delivers Positive Outcomes from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's last eight bosses were defeated in their first La Liga match with Barcelona.
After the laissez-faire style from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.
A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”
The team's shape with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”
This approach seems beneficial for Bellingham, as he last season was expected to do everything in midfield and more.
Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and assist the attack or enter the box.
The expert continued, “By using the French midfielder in the center, this provides more dynamism and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to put Jude on the right flank. Certainly he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
But there have been various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos might think about selling him should a suitable bid was made.
Vinicius will have a year left on his contract come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.
His response when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you feel close to being the top star, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations with the club and Vinicius currently.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Having triumphed in all four of recent derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.
The expert said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press those on the ball as expected.”
The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.
The big names weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems