Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Strains Intensify – Key Spanish Derby Takeaways
It was almost a flawless performance from Real Madrid, as they defeated Barca two goals to one during El Clasico and increase the gap at the summit in the Spanish league by five points.
The English midfielder got his maiden domestic strike along with assist of the season after a difficult spell recovering from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe maintained his deadly form in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines proved perfectly.
Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.
Unhappy with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way straight past his manager before headed down the tunnel, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Gets Results from Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, given that seven of Madrid's last eight bosses lost their first league meeting with Barca.
After the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.
An expert noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, while Barca were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, all players including the forward.”
The team's shape in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The new system looks to be good news for Jude, who last season was expected to do everything in the center and additional duties.
On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague stated, Employing Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”
“That forced the team to put Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him a few times.”
He was told to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barca's task very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name was chanted on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.
Yet there have been various accounts lately that the club could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.
He will have one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.
The analyst commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you feel near number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and the player now.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
After winning each of the recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain early form.
Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective in their absence.
The expert stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.
“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine seems not he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue
