Los Blancos Commanding but Vinicius Junior Strains Intensify – Major Spanish Derby Highlights
This proved to be practically an ideal outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to increase the gap in first place of the Spanish league by five points.
The English midfielder notched his maiden domestic strike along with key pass this campaign following a difficult spell healing from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his clinical performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico in the dugout worked perfectly.
However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.
Unhappy with being substituted, Vinicius protested as he walked right by his manager before marched off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.
Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Madrid's recent coaches lost their first league match against their rivals.
Following the relaxed method from the previous coach fell short last season, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”
“They defended with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change seems good news for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.
Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and better ability to block the channels.”
“That forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, and he located him a few times.”
“He was asked to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play tough.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
But multiple various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave if the right offer was made.
The winger will have one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.
The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you believe close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
After winning all four of last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.
Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.
The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
They are more vulnerable to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was neutralized.
Key players did not perform well. Lamine appears he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues