The Madrid Giants Strong yet Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Key Spanish Derby Talking Points
It was practically a perfect performance for Real Madrid, who beat their arch-rivals two goals to one in the famous derby and stretch their lead at the summit of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league and setup of the season after a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly form in attack, while the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico on the sidelines worked like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.
Unhappy at coming off, the star forward ranted as he walked right by Xabi Alonso before stormed to the dressing room, before returning to the substitute area several minutes.
Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses were defeated in their first La Liga encounter against Barcelona.
Following the player-focused method from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.
An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back with discipline, all players including the forward.”
Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change seems beneficial for Jude, who last season was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and beyond.
On paper Bellingham started wide right, however he could to come inside and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert stated, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and additional options to shut down the spaces.”
“That forced the team to put Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he found him a few times.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play challenging.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet there have been numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.
Vinicius will have one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The expert said, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you believe near the best player, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.
Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.
Balague commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging those on the ball adequately.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.
“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, possibly because of groin problems