Los Blancos Strong however Vinicius Issues Intensify β Important El Clasico Takeaways
It was nearly a perfect day for the Madrid side, as they beat Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico and stretch the gap at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural domestic strike and key pass this term after a difficult spell recovering from a shoulder operation.
The French forward maintained his deadly performance in attack, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.
However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more.
Dissatisfied with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way directly past the coach before stormed down the tunnel, then returning on the sidelines several minutes.
Tactical Setup Yields Results for the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Real's recent managers were defeated in their debut league meeting with their rivals.
Following the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach produced its first major result.
A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, while Barcelona struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.β
When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.β
βThey defended in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.β
The new system seems beneficial for Bellingham, who previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.
Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
The analyst continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and more ways to close down the spaces.β
This led to the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.β
βHe was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life tough.β
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.
However there have been countless reports lately that the club would consider allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.
Vinicius has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.
Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game suggested strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.
The analyst noted, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.β
Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.β
This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you believe on the verge of number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.β
βThis season he believes that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.β
βHe feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him β justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected β in his mind he questions why always me?.β
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and the player now.β
Barca's Approach βStrugglesβ
After winning each of the previous campaign's derbies, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have deprived the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing when they are missing.
The expert commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.β
βIt's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as expected.β
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was neutralized.
Key players weren't at their best. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems