Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Strains Escalate – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
The match represented nearly a flawless day from the Madrid side, who beat Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico to extend their advantage in first place in La Liga to five points.
Bellingham got his first domestic strike along with key pass this campaign following a tough few months recovering from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe showed his lethal performance in attack, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.
But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.
Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before marched down the tunnel, then coming back to the substitute area later.
Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their first league meeting with their rivals.
After the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.
Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines separated by a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The tactical change looks to be good news for the midfielder, as he previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and more.
On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he was allowed to drift inward and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
Balague added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings greater energy and more ways to close down the channels.”
“That forced the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he found him a few times.”
His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life tough.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
But recently there were numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal was made.
Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
The analyst noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel close to being number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he's felt that the club has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and him now.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
After winning each of the last season's matches, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain start to the campaign.
Absences have deprived the manager of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing when they are missing.
Balague said, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack failing to press those on the ball adequately.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
Key players weren't at their best. Lamine appears he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues