Real Madrid Commanding yet Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Key Clasico Highlights
It was nearly an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one during the Clasico and increase their advantage at the top in La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and assist this campaign following a difficult period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward maintained his deadly performance when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.
Frustrated with coming off, the star forward ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed off the pitch, before reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.
Manager's Approach Yields Success from Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their debut league match with Barca.
After the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.
Spanish football analyst commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, and Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, everybody including the forward.”
The team's shape in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The new system looks to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and more.
Theoretically the young star played on the right, however he could to drift inward and link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The expert continued, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and better ability to close down the channels.”
As a result the team to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make Barca's task challenging.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant rang out on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
Yet there have been countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if the right offer was made.
He will have one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half indicated strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, but the team redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he believes that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million to sign him and let him go.”
This affects him, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius at the moment.”
Their System “Struggles”
Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.
The expert said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
The big names did not perform well. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues