Real Madrid Impressive however Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Major Clasico Highlights
It was practically an ideal performance for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico and stretch their advantage in first place in the Spanish league by five points.
Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and setup of the season after a tough few months recovering from shoulder surgery.
The French forward continued his clinical touch in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby on the sidelines proved brilliantly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.
Frustrated at coming off, Vinicius complained as he walked right by the coach before marched down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines later.
Manager's Approach Yields Results for Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's recent bosses lost their initial La Liga meeting with Barcelona.
After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded its first major result.
A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, all players including the forward.”
The team's shape in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he in the past was expected to do everything in the center and additional duties.
Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst added, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and additional options to close down the spaces.”
As a result them to deploy Bellingham wide right. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play challenging.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
However recently there were countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.
The winger will have a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
His response after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.
Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is hard to change, especially when you consider yourself near the best player, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
“This season he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”
“He feels all that, and when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he says why always me?.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and him at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Following victories in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display represented Barca's shaky early form.
Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system is not effective when they are missing.
Balague stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”
The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.
Key players were below par. Yamal seems not he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems