Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Strains Grow – Important Clasico Highlights
This proved to be almost a flawless outing from the Madrid side, as they defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to stretch the gap at the top in La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham got his inaugural league goal along with key pass of the season after a tough spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward continued his clinical performance when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.
Dissatisfied with coming off, the star forward ranted while walking right by his manager and marched to the dressing room, before reappearing to the bench later.
Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their first La Liga match with their rivals.
Following the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.
A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were impressive, and the visitors didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”
The new system looks to be positive for the midfielder, who last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.
Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The expert continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”
“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, his chant were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal was made.
He has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half spoke of issues. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The expert commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you believe near number one in the world, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he believes that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”
He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and the player currently.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
Following victories in all four of last season's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Absences have deprived the manager of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.
The expert said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession as well as they should.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.
“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems