Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Tensions Grow – Key Spanish Derby Talking Points
The match represented nearly a flawless performance for Real Madrid, who overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby to stretch their lead at the summit of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal and key pass of the season after a challenging spell healing from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical touch in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.
Unhappy at being substituted, Vinicius protested as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, then reappearing to the substitute area later.
Alonso System Gets Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga encounter with Barcelona.
After the relaxed method from the previous coach fell short earlier, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”
“They defended with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.
In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to come inside and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
The analyst continued, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, it brings more dynamism and more ways to block the passing lanes.”
This led to them to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life challenging.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.
Yet recently there were numerous stories lately that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.
Vinicius has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.
The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, notably when you believe near number one in the world, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and him at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's matches, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.
The analyst said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”
“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.
The big names were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems