Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Major Spanish Derby Takeaways
The match represented practically a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby to increase their advantage in first place in the Spanish league to five points.
Bellingham got his inaugural domestic strike and assist this term following a difficult few months recovering from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe showed his clinical performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.
Dissatisfied with being substituted, Vinicius complained on his way directly past his manager and headed off the pitch, then reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.
Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga match with Barcelona.
Following the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered an important victory.
Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barca didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”
“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The new system appears to be positive for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and additional duties.
On paper Bellingham played on the right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
Balague continued, With the French midfielder in the middle, it brings more dynamism and additional options to shut down the channels.”
As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he found him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.
Yet multiple numerous stories lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.
He has one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.
The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself close to being the best player, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he believes that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of €250 million for him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”
It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and him at the moment.”
Their System “Falls Apart”
Following victories in all four of previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.
Injuries have robbed the manager of key players such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing without them.
The expert commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not organized, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.
“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues