Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Important Clasico Highlights
It was practically a perfect performance for the Madrid side, as they beat Barca two goals to one during the Clasico to extend the gap at the top in La Liga by five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his maiden league goal and setup this term following a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly touch when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his first derby in the dugout worked like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.
Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward complained as he walked straight past the coach before stormed down the tunnel, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Delivers Results from Jude Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their first league encounter with their rivals.
After the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.
A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while Barca were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”
The tactical change looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.
On paper the young star started wide right, however he was allowed to move centrally and assist the attack or enter the box.
Balague continued, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides greater energy and better ability to shut down the spaces.”
As a result them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him were sung multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.
But there have been countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos might think about selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.
The winger will have a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half spoke of issues. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The expert noted, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself near the best player, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”
Recently he's felt that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and let him go.”
He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he says why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and the player at the moment.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
After winning each of the previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain early form.
Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective without them.
Balague commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.
“Their stars were below par. Yamal appears he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue