Real Madrid Impressive but Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key Spanish Derby Talking Points
It was almost a flawless day for Real Madrid, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico and stretch the gap in first place of La Liga to five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his first goal in the league and setup of the season following a difficult period coming back from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe maintained his deadly touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut derby as coach proved perfectly.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.
Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward complained on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before headed down the tunnel, before coming back on the sidelines after a short while.
Manager's Approach Delivers Success from Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Real's recent managers were defeated in their initial league meeting with Barcelona.
Following the laissez-faire approach from the previous coach fell short last season, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.
An expert observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while the visitors were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The tactical change appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in the center and beyond.
On paper Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and support Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make the opponent's play challenging.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.
However recently there were countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
He will have one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.
The player's reaction when substituted in the second half indicated strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.
The expert noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you believe close to being number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he believes that the club has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he says why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and him at the moment.”
Their System “Struggles”
Following victories in all four of recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Absences have robbed the manager of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.
The expert stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster appears he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues