Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
It was practically a flawless performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend the gap at the summit of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league and setup this term after a tough few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his first Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.
Unhappy with his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before headed off the pitch, before reappearing to the bench later.
Alonso System Gets Results for Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Real's previous eight bosses lost their initial league encounter against their rivals.
Following the player-focused method under Ancelotti fell short last season, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.
An expert commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”
“They defended in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”
The new system appears to be beneficial for Jude, who previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.
Theoretically the young star played on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The expert continued, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, you get more dynamism and better ability to shut down the spaces.”
This led to the team to put Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, and he located him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause Barca's task challenging.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung multiple times by a fervent home supporters.
However there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about selling him should a suitable bid arrived.
The winger will have a year left on his contract when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have stalled.
The player's reaction after coming off late in the game indicated strained relations. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
Balague commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you believe on the verge of the best player, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he's felt that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million for him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and the player currently.”
Their System “Struggles”
Having triumphed in all four of last season's derbies, this outing highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have deprived the manager of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.
Balague stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars were below par. The youngster appears in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue