Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Tensions Escalate – Important Spanish Derby Talking Points
The match represented practically a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat their arch-rivals two goals to one during El Clasico to increase the gap at the top of the Spanish league by five points.
Bellingham got his first domestic strike along with assist of the season after a difficult period coming back from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan during his debut derby on the sidelines functioned like a charm.
But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger complained on his way right by his manager before marched down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines later.
Manager's Approach Yields Results from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's previous eight coaches lost their debut league meeting with their rivals.
After the player-focused method under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.
Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”
The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Jude, who last season was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.
Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.
Balague stated, With Camavinga in the middle, this provides more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
Undoubtedly that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name was chanted on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
But there have been numerous stories lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.
The winger has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel near the best player, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”
“This season he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, and when the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations with the club and him now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in each of the last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working when they are missing.
Balague stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by teammates not challenging those on the ball adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.
The big names did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems