The Madrid Giants Impressive however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Major Spanish Derby Talking Points
The match represented almost a perfect outing from Real Madrid, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico and extend the gap in first place of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league and key pass this campaign after a tough spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly form in attack, and the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout proved perfectly.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.
Unhappy with coming off, Vinicius ranted as he walked right by his manager and stormed to the dressing room, before returning to the substitute area later.
Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's recent bosses lost their debut league meeting against Barca.
Following the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.
An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, and the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”
The team's shape with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
This approach seems good news for Bellingham, as he in the past was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.
In the lineup the young star started wide right, but actually he could to come inside and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”
“That forced them to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and cause Barca's task challenging.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
But there have been countless reports lately that Los Blancos might think about selling him if the right offer were to come in.
Vinicius will have a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.
His response to being replaced in the second half suggested issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The expert noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself near the best player, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”
This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge among the parties and him now.”
Their System “Falls Apart”
After winning all four of last season's Clasicos, the latest display represented Barca's shaky early form.
Injuries have left without the manager of key players including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.
The analyst said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball adequately.”
Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.
Key players were below par. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems