Los Blancos Commanding however Vinicius Strains Intensify – Key Spanish Derby Takeaways
The match represented practically a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to extend their lead at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal and key pass of the season after a challenging period recovering from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal performance in front of goal, and the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.
Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius ranted as he walked right by the coach and stormed off the pitch, then reappearing on the sidelines later.
Alonso System Gets Results from Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's recent coaches were defeated in their initial league encounter against Barca.
Following the laissez-faire method from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.
Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”
“They defended with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change appears to be good news for Bellingham, who last season was expected to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.
On paper Bellingham started wide right, but actually he could to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
Balague added, With the French midfielder in the middle, it brings increased movement and additional options to block the passing lanes.”
This led to them to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements when he had 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 is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating Barca's task challenging.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.
But there have been various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if the right offer arrived.
Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
Following victories in each of the last season's matches, this outing represented their uncertain early form.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and his system isn't working in their absence.
Balague said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues