Los Blancos Impressive yet Vinicius Issues Escalate – Major El Clasico Takeaways
The match represented almost a flawless day from Real Madrid, as they beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby and increase their advantage at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham got his first domestic strike and setup this campaign following a challenging spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his first derby as coach functioned perfectly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.
Dissatisfied at his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained as he walked straight past the coach before headed down the tunnel, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.
Alonso System Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's last eight managers lost their initial league match with Barca.
Following the laissez-faire style from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.
A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The new system looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously was expected to do everything in midfield and more.
Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
Balague continued, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”
His instructions included to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make the opponent's play tough.”
Strained Relations Revealed
Undoubtedly that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.
But recently there were countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if the right offer arrived.
He will have one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted in the second half spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.
Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”
Recently he's felt that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”
This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he says why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Following victories in all four of last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the manager of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.
The expert said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the first goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball adequately.”
Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.
Key players weren't at their best. Lamine appears in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue