Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key El Clasico Talking Points
It was nearly a flawless day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to extend their advantage at the top of La Liga by five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his first league goal along with key pass this term following a challenging few months recovering from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his clinical touch in attack, while Alonso's tactics during his debut derby in the dugout proved like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.
Unhappy at coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the bench several minutes.
Tactical Setup Delivers Results from the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their first league meeting with Barcelona.
After the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.
A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, and Barca were off-color due to the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
The new system looks to be positive for Bellingham, who previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.
On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague continued, Employing the French midfielder in the center, this provides greater energy and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to position Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he was instructed to track the forward's positioning on the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.”
“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.
But there have been numerous stories over the past period that the club might think about allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.
He has a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
His response after coming off in the second half suggested strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement who replaced him.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you believe on the verge of number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”
This affects him, and when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and him now.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing represented their uncertain beginning of the season.
Absences have left without the manager of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.
Balague said, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.
Key players did not perform well. Lamine appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue