Los Blancos Commanding yet Vinicius Issues Intensify – Important El Clasico Talking Points
It was almost a flawless outing from Real Madrid, who beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to extend their advantage at the top in the Spanish league to five points.
The English midfielder got his first goal in the league along with setup this campaign after a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his deadly performance in attack, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines functioned brilliantly.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.
Dissatisfied at being substituted, Vinicius complained as he walked directly past his manager and headed off the pitch, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.
Manager's Approach Gets Success from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight managers lost their initial La Liga match with Barca.
After the relaxed method from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.
An expert commented, His plan was perfect. The home side performed excellently, and the visitors were off-color due to the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”
The team's shape with two banks separated by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The tactical change seems beneficial for Bellingham, as he in the past was expected to do everything in the engine room and more.
Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague stated, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”
“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
Undoubtedly that supporters adore Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.
Yet recently there were various accounts lately that the club could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal was made.
Vinicius has a year left on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
The player's reaction when substituted in the second half suggested issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself near the top star, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”
This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and the player currently.”
Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”
Following victories in all four of previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have left without the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system isn't working in their absence.
The expert said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.
The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems