Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Junior Strains Grow – Key Spanish Derby Takeaways
This proved to be almost a flawless day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals two goals to one in the famous derby to extend the gap in first place in the domestic championship to five points.
Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league and setup this campaign following a challenging spell healing from shoulder surgery.
Mbappe continued his lethal touch in attack, while Alonso's tactics during his debut Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.
But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.
Dissatisfied with his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked right by Xabi Alonso before headed off the pitch, then returning on the sidelines later.
Tactical Setup Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Real's recent managers were defeated in their first league match against their rivals.
Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.
An expert commented, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, while Barca didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”
The team's shape in two lines with a gap of a short distance. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change looks to be good news for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.
On paper Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst added, With the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides greater energy and more ways to shut down the spaces.”
This led to the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to enter the area and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task challenging.”
Strained Relations Exposed
There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
But there have been various accounts lately that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.
The winger has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.
The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he has perceived that the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and him now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Following victories in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.
Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working without them.
The analyst said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press those on the ball as expected.”
Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.
“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue