Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Important Spanish Derby Talking Points
It was almost a flawless performance for the Madrid side, who defeated Barca 2-1 during the Clasico to increase their lead at the summit of the Spanish league to five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal along with key pass this term following a difficult few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward maintained his clinical touch in attack, and the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico in the dugout functioned like a charm.
However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy at coming off, the star forward protested as he walked right by the coach before stormed down the tunnel, before reappearing to the substitute area later.
Manager's Approach Gets Success from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Real's last eight bosses lost their debut La Liga match against Barca.
Following the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”
This approach looks to be positive for Bellingham, who last season was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.
On paper the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst added, With Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”
As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause Barca's task tough.”
Strained Relations Exposed
There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
However multiple numerous stories over the past period that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.
Vinicius has a year left on his contract when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Yamal.
The expert noted, He will face backlash for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”
However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you feel near the top star, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
“This season he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – to him he says why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Absences have left without Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.
The expert said, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging those on the ball adequately.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.
Key players did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue