Real Madrid Impressive but Vinicius Tensions Intensify – Key El Clasico Talking Points
It was practically an ideal outing for Real Madrid, as they defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico to extend their advantage in first place of the domestic championship by five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his first goal in the league along with assist this campaign after a difficult spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe continued his clinical form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby in the dugout functioned perfectly.
But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.
Frustrated with being substituted, Vinicius protested as he walked right by his manager and marched off the pitch, then reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.
Alonso System Delivers Results for Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's last eight bosses lost their debut La Liga encounter against their rivals.
Following the relaxed style under Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
An expert observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while Barca didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”
The team's shape with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change appears to be good news for the midfielder, as he in the past was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.
On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst added, Employing the French midfielder in the center, this provides more dynamism and better ability to shut down the spaces.”
As a result the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”
He was told to get into the box and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make Barca's task challenging.”
Strained Relations Revealed
There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
Yet recently there were various accounts over the past period that the club could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid were to come in.
He has a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.
His response to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.
Balague noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you believe close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he believes that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”
“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and the player at the moment.”
Their System “Struggles”
Following victories in each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain early form.
Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.
The analyst stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems