Real Madrid Strong yet Vinicius Junior Tensions Intensify – Key El Clasico Talking Points
It was almost a flawless outing from the Madrid side, who overcame Barca 2-1 in El Clasico and stretch their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league by five points.
Bellingham scored his first league goal along with assist this campaign after a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.
The French forward maintained his clinical form in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.
Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward ranted while walking right by Xabi Alonso and headed down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area later.
Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's recent managers were defeated in their debut league encounter against Barca.
Following the player-focused style under Ancelotti fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.
An expert commented, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, and Barca struggled because of the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
This approach appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to do everything in midfield and beyond.
On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague stated, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and more ways to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to put Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barca's task tough.”
Strained Relations Exposed
Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.
But multiple countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
The winger will have one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.
Balague said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel close to being number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”
This affects him, so when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
Following victories in all four of recent matches, this outing represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.
The analyst stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.
“Their stars were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems