Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Major El Clasico Highlights
It was practically an ideal performance from Real Madrid, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one in El Clasico to stretch their lead at the top in La Liga by five points.
Bellingham notched his first league goal and key pass of the season after a challenging spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly form in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.
But then the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.
Unhappy with coming off, the star forward ranted while walking directly past his manager and headed down the tunnel, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.
Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight managers were defeated in their initial league meeting with Barcelona.
Following the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.
An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, and the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, everybody including the forward.”
The team's shape in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”
The new system looks to be good news for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to do everything in midfield and more.
On paper the young star played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
The expert stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings greater energy and better ability to close down the channels.”
This led to them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he found him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces creating the opponent's play tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out on several occasions by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
But multiple numerous stories in recent months that the club could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.
The winger will have one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.
His response when substituted late in the game indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The analyst noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you believe near the top star, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he questions why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and him currently.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Following victories in all four of last season's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.
Balague said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of injury issues