Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Strains Escalate – Major El Clasico Takeaways

This proved to be almost a flawless day from Real Madrid, as they overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to stretch their lead at the top in the domestic championship to five points.

Bellingham scored his first domestic strike along with setup this campaign following a challenging spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his clinical form when scoring, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico as coach functioned brilliantly.

However the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward ranted as he walked right by his manager and stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing to the substitute area later.

Alonso System Yields Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their initial league meeting against Barca.

After the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach delivered its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, but actually he could to come inside and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert added, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, this provides greater energy and more ways to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Jude wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Strained Relations Exposed

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung repeatedly by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were various accounts in recent months that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.

He will have one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested tension. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you believe near the best player, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's matches, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The analyst stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.

“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue

Matthew Williams
Matthew Williams

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