Real Madrid Impressive yet Vinicius Tensions Escalate – Key Clasico Highlights
It was nearly a flawless day for the Madrid side, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico and stretch their lead in first place of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham scored his maiden domestic strike and assist this term after a challenging period recovering from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical form in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico as coach functioned brilliantly.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.
Unhappy with his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained on his way right by his manager before marched off the pitch, before coming back to the substitute area later.
Alonso System Delivers Results from the Midfielder
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their first league match against Barcelona.
Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.
An expert observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated with discipline, everybody even the forward.”
“They defended in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
The tactical change appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.
On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he was allowed to come inside and link with Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague continued, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, you get greater energy and more ways to shut down the channels.”
This led to the team to put Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he located him a few times.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet there have been numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.
Vinicius has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The expert noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and him now.”
Their System “Struggles”
Following victories in all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.
Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.
“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue