Los Blancos Commanding yet Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Key El Clasico Highlights
This proved to be practically a flawless performance for the Madrid side, as they beat Barca 2-1 during El Clasico to extend their lead in first place of the domestic championship by five points.
The English midfielder scored his inaugural goal in the league and setup of the season following a tough period recovering from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly touch when scoring, while the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained while walking right by Xabi Alonso before stormed down the tunnel, before reappearing on the sidelines later.
Tactical Setup Yields Success for the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Real's recent bosses lost their first La Liga match with Barcelona.
Following the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.
An expert noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players even the forward.”
“They defended in two layers separated by a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change looks to be positive for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.
On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
Balague stated, “By using the French midfielder in the center, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the spaces.”
As a result the team to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by the passionate Madrid fans.
Yet multiple countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid would consider selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.
Vinicius has one season to go on his deal come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.
His response to being replaced in the second half suggested strained relations. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.
The expert commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel close to being number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and him now.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in each of the last season's matches, the latest display represented Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of key players including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and his system is failing in their absence.
The analyst stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they are not helped from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.
“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster seems not he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue