Real Madrid Commanding but Vinicius Issues Escalate – Major Spanish Derby Highlights
The match represented nearly a perfect day for Real Madrid, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one during the famous derby to increase their lead at the top in La Liga to five points.
Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal along with assist this campaign after a challenging spell healing from a shoulder operation.
The French forward showed his deadly form in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.
Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward complained on his way right by the coach before headed down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines later.
Manager's Approach Delivers Results for the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight managers lost their first La Liga match against Barca.
After the laissez-faire approach from the previous coach failed to get results last season, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona struggled because of the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”
“They defended with two banks with a gap of five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.
In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
Balague continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and more ways to close down the channels.”
This led to the team to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
However recently there were countless reports over the past period that the club would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.
He has one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted in the second half spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The analyst noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you believe close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”
This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and the player now.”
Their System “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Injuries have deprived the manager of key players including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.
Balague said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.
Key players weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues