Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Key Spanish Derby Highlights
It was nearly an ideal performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby to increase their advantage in first place of the domestic championship to five points.
The English midfielder scored his first goal in the league along with key pass this term after a difficult few months healing from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico in the dugout worked brilliantly.
However the Brazilian's situation emerged again yet again.
Unhappy at his substitution, Vinicius protested on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before headed to the dressing room, before coming back to the substitute area several minutes.
Tactical Setup Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their debut league encounter against their rivals.
Following the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.
A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, and Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”
“They defended with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”
This approach appears to be beneficial for Jude, as he last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.
On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The expert added, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, this provides greater energy and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”
This led to the team to put Jude wide right. I'm sure his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”
He was told to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make the opponent's play very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.
However there have been various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.
Vinicius has a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
His response after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The expert noted, He will face backlash for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you believe on the verge of the top star, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
“This season he has perceived that the organization is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”
This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Following victories in each of the last season's derbies, the latest display represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.
The expert stated, The squad seems are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.
Key players were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to injury issues