Real Madrid Strong however Vinicius Issues Grow – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
It was almost an ideal outing from Real Madrid, as they beat Barca 2-1 during the Clasico to increase the gap at the summit of La Liga to five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his first league goal along with setup this campaign following a tough spell coming back from a shoulder operation.
The French forward showed his clinical performance in attack, while Alonso's tactics during his debut Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.
But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius ranted while walking directly past his manager and headed off the pitch, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.
Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's previous eight coaches lost their initial league match against Barca.
Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short earlier, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.
Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, and Barcelona didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”
This approach seems positive for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the center and more.
On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The expert stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”
“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.
However multiple countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.
The winger has one year remaining under his current terms when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game indicated strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself near number one in the world, but the team drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius now.”
Their System “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in each of the last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.
Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.
The expert stated, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not organized, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”
The young talent, the main threat earlier, was well contained.
Key players did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue