Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Tensions Escalate – Major El Clasico Highlights
This proved to be practically a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico to stretch their advantage at the summit of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
The English midfielder got his first goal in the league along with key pass this term after a tough few months healing from shoulder surgery.
The French forward continued his lethal touch in attack, and the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.
However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.
Frustrated at being substituted, Vinicius ranted while walking directly past Xabi Alonso and headed off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.
Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's last eight managers lost their debut La Liga meeting with Barcelona.
After the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced its first major result.
A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”
Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”
“They defended with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”
The new system appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.
In the lineup the young star played on the right, however he was allowed to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert added, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and additional options to block the spaces.”
“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life tough.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.
However there have been various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal were to come in.
He has one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.
His response after coming off in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The analyst noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”
However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you believe on the verge of the top star, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and him now.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky early form.
Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.
Balague said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.
Key players were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues