Los Blancos Impressive yet Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Important El Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be almost an ideal performance for Real Madrid, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico to increase their advantage at the summit in the domestic championship to five points.
The English midfielder notched his maiden domestic strike along with setup this campaign after a difficult few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe continued his deadly form when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby in the dugout functioned like a charm.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.
Dissatisfied at being substituted, the star forward ranted on his way straight past the coach and headed to the dressing room, before coming back to the substitute area later.
Alonso System Gets Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting with Barca.
Following the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The tactical change appears to be good news for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.
Theoretically the young star played on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The analyst continued, Employing Camavinga in the middle, you get more dynamism and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”
“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task very difficult.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his chant was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
However there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.
The winger has one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted late in the game spoke of strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.
The analyst said, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you believe close to being number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he believes that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and him currently.”
Their System “Struggles”
Having triumphed in all four of last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.
The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
They are more vulnerable to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues