The Madrid Giants Impressive but Vinicius Issues Escalate – Major El Clasico Highlights
It was nearly a flawless outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico to stretch the gap at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.
Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league along with setup of the season after a tough spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe showed his clinical form when scoring, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.
Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way directly past his manager before headed off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench several minutes.
Manager's Approach Gets Results for Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's last eight managers lost their debut La Liga encounter against their rivals.
Following the player-focused method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.
A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers with a gap of a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”
This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and more.
In the lineup the young star played on the right, but actually he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides greater energy and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to put Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball with room, and he located him a few times.”
His instructions included to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his name was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.
However recently there were numerous stories over the past period that the club might think about selling him should a suitable bid arrived.
The winger will have one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated tension. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.
The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being the best player, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and after he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge among the parties and him now.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach isn't working without them.
The expert commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.
“Their stars were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to injury issues