Los Blancos Strong however Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Key Clasico Talking Points

It was almost a flawless day for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barca two goals to one during El Clasico and extend their lead at the top in the Spanish league to five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a challenging spell healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his lethal performance in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.

Frustrated with his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked right by his manager before stormed down the tunnel, before returning to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Results from Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial league encounter against Barca.

Following the player-focused style under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

This approach looks to be positive for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert continued, Employing the French midfielder in the center, this provides increased movement and more ways to close down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.”

He was told to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has existed amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius now.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is flawed, like on the first goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball as expected.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.

Key players did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, maybe due to groin problems

Heather Campbell
Heather Campbell

Rafaela Monteiro é uma entusiasta de jogos com anos de experiência em análise de títulos e cultura gamer, dedicada a partilhar conhecimentos úteis.