Los Blancos Strong however Vinicius Issues Grow – Key El Clasico Takeaways
The match represented practically a perfect outing for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to extend their advantage at the summit of the domestic championship to five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his first domestic strike and setup this term following a difficult spell healing from a shoulder operation.
The French forward maintained his lethal touch in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.
Frustrated at his substitution, Vinicius protested on his way directly past Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the substitute area later.
Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's recent managers were defeated in their initial league meeting with Barca.
Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.
An expert commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, and Barcelona were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”
Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.
On paper the young star started wide right, however he could to come inside and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The expert continued, With the French midfielder in the middle, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”
“That forced them to position Jude wide right. I'm sure his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, 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 came inside to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”
Strained Relations Revealed
There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.
However there have been various accounts lately that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
He has one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect 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.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you believe on the verge of the best player, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for him and sell him.”
This affects him, and when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and him at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Following victories in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have deprived the manager of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.
The expert stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.
Key players weren't at their best. The youngster appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems