Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Strains Intensify – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
The match represented practically a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico and extend the gap at the top of La Liga to five points.
The English midfielder got his inaugural domestic strike and assist this term following a challenging spell coming back from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal form in attack, while the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.
But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.
Unhappy at being substituted, Vinicius protested as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and headed off the pitch, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.
Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Real's last eight managers lost their initial La Liga match against Barcelona.
Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.
A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”
“They defended with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”
This approach appears to be positive for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.
Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he could to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst stated, With the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and more ways to block the channels.”
As a result them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he found him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces creating the opponent's play challenging.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.
But recently there were numerous stories lately that the club might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.
He has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The expert commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you feel close to being the best player, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”
He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
Having triumphed in each of the recent Clasicos, this outing highlighted their uncertain early form.
Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.
The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press those on the ball adequately.”
Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.
“Their stars were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue