Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Tensions Intensify – Key El Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be nearly a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to increase their advantage in first place of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league and key pass this campaign after a challenging spell coming back from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his clinical form in attack, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout worked brilliantly.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy at being substituted, Vinicius ranted on his way directly past the coach and headed down the tunnel, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.
Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's last eight bosses lost their initial La Liga meeting against their rivals.
Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
An expert noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barca struggled because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers separated by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
This approach looks to be good news for the midfielder, as he previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and beyond.
In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
Balague continued, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, this provides greater energy and additional options to close down the channels.”
This led to the team to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his chant was chanted multiple times by a fervent home supporters.
But recently there were various accounts in recent months that Real Madrid might think about selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.
The winger will have one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
His response after coming off in the second half suggested strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.
The expert commented, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of number one in the world, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and him at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Following victories in each of the recent matches, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working when they are missing.
The expert stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”
The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears in top condition, possibly because of injury issues