Real Madrid Strong yet Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Major Spanish Derby Talking Points
It was almost a perfect day for the Madrid side, who beat Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico to increase their lead in first place in the Spanish league to five points.
The English midfielder got his first league goal and key pass this campaign following a tough few months healing from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal form in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.
Unhappy with coming off, Vinicius ranted on his way straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, before returning to the bench after a short while.
Manager's Approach Delivers Results for Jude Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting with Barca.
Following the player-focused method from the previous coach did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.
An expert observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, and Barcelona were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change seems positive for the midfielder, who in the past had been tasked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.
In the lineup the young star started wide right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst stated, “By using Camavinga in the middle, this provides greater energy and additional options to shut down the channels.”
As a result them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task tough.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet multiple various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.
The winger will have one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you believe on the verge of the top star, but the team redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he has perceived that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and him at the moment.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Following victories in each of the recent Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky early form.
Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach isn't working without them.
Balague commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”
“It's easier to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, like on the first goal as Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.
Key players weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue