Real Madrid Impressive but Vinicius Junior Strains Escalate – Important Clasico Talking Points
The match represented almost a flawless outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to stretch their advantage in first place in La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and assist this term after a challenging spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward showed his deadly performance when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his first derby on the sidelines worked perfectly.
However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.
Unhappy with coming off, the star forward protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before stormed down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines later.
Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's recent managers lost their first La Liga match against Barca.
Following the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, while the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”
Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”
Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
This approach seems positive for Bellingham, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.
Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, however he was allowed to come inside and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
The expert stated, With the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and additional options to close down the spaces.”
“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to track the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”
“He was asked to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant was chanted repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
However multiple numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.
The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The analyst said, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he's felt that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”
Barca's Approach “Crumbles”
Following victories in all four of recent derbies, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Absences have deprived the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working when they are missing.
The analyst stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.
“Their stars were below par. Lamine seems not he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue