Real Madrid Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Important El Clasico Highlights
It was practically an ideal outing from the Madrid side, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to extend their lead in first place of the Spanish league to five points.
Bellingham got his inaugural league goal and setup of the season after a tough few months coming back from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal form when scoring, and Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.
Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward ranted as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso and headed to the dressing room, before reappearing to the substitute area after a short while.
Alonso System Yields Results from the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Real's recent coaches lost their initial La Liga meeting against their rivals.
Following the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
An expert noted, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, while Barcelona didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, all players including the forward.”
“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”
This approach looks to be good news for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.
Theoretically the young star started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and support Mbappe or enter the box.
The expert stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”
“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, and he found him a few times.”
He was told to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”
Strained Relations Exposed
There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.
However recently there were countless reports lately that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
The winger will have one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.
The player's reaction after coming off late in the game spoke of issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.
The expert noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you feel near the best player, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he's felt that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”
This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and him now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain start to the campaign.
Absences have left without the manager of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working in their absence.
Balague commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.
Key players did not perform well. Lamine seems not he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems