The Madrid Giants Strong but Vinicius Tensions Intensify – Key El Clasico Takeaways
This proved to be nearly a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to stretch their advantage at the summit of the Spanish league by five points.
Jude Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league along with key pass this term following a challenging period recovering from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico on the sidelines proved brilliantly.
Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.
Unhappy at being substituted, Vinicius protested while walking directly past the coach before headed off the pitch, before coming back on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Yields Success for Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight managers were defeated in their initial league meeting with Barca.
Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.
A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, while the visitors were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”
“They defended in two lines with a gap of 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The tactical change appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.
Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he was allowed to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings more dynamism and additional options to close down the channels.”
This led to the team to position Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”
He was told to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Strained Relations Exposed
It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
However there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club would consider selling him should a suitable bid was made.
He will have one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.
His response when substituted in the second half suggested issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.
The expert commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being the top star, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he believes that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”
“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
After winning all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.
The expert commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”
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 the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball adequately.”
The young talent, 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