The Madrid Giants Impressive yet Vinicius Issues Grow – Key Spanish Derby Highlights
It was nearly an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico to increase their lead in first place of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural league goal and key pass this campaign following a challenging period healing from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal form in attack, while the coach's game plan in his first Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.
But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.
Unhappy at coming off, Vinicius ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso and headed down the tunnel, then coming back to the substitute area after a short while.
Alonso System Yields Success from Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their debut league encounter against Barcelona.
After the relaxed method from the previous coach failed to get results last season, his structured approach produced an important victory.
Spanish football analyst noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”
The team's shape with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The new system looks to be positive for the midfielder, who last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.
On paper the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague added, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”
This led to them to position Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he located him on several occasions.”
He was told to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant was chanted multiple times by the passionate home supporters.
However there have been countless reports over the past period that the club would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
He will have one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.
His response to being replaced late in the game spoke of issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.
Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, notably when you believe on the verge of the best player, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he says why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
After winning each of the recent derbies, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have left without the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is failing without them.
Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
The big names did not perform well. Yamal seems not he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems