Los Blancos Commanding but Vinicius Issues Intensify – Major Clasico Talking Points
It was nearly a perfect performance for Real Madrid, as they defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico and extend their advantage at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.
Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league and key pass of the season following a tough few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward maintained his lethal form in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.
Frustrated at his substitution, Vinicius ranted on his way right by his manager before headed down the tunnel, then returning on the sidelines later.
Tactical Setup Yields Results for the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight managers were defeated in their debut La Liga match with their rivals.
Following the laissez-faire style from the previous coach fell short last season, the new tactical system produced an important victory.
An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”
Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, all players including the forward.”
The team's shape with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”
This approach appears to be beneficial for Jude, as he in the past was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.
On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The analyst stated, With the French midfielder in the center, it brings more dynamism and better ability to shut down the spaces.”
“That forced the team to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”
He was told to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task very difficult.”
Strained Relations Exposed
It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.
Yet multiple numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos might think about selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.
Vinicius will have one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
The player's reaction after coming off late in the game indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
Balague noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is hard to change, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”
“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he says why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and the player currently.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.
Balague stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.
Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues