Real Madrid Impressive however Vinicius Junior Tensions Intensify – Key Clasico Talking Points
This proved to be practically a flawless day for the Madrid side, who beat Barca two goals to one during the Clasico to increase their lead at the summit in La Liga by five points.
The English midfielder notched his maiden goal in the league along with key pass this campaign following a difficult few months healing from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico as coach proved like a charm.
Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.
Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward protested while walking straight past the coach before headed down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines later.
Tactical Setup Yields Success from the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their debut league meeting against Barcelona.
Following the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.
A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, and Barcelona struggled due to the home team's approach.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”
The new system seems beneficial for Bellingham, as he last season was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and beyond.
Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The analyst stated, Employing the French midfielder in the center, it brings increased movement and additional options to block the channels.”
This led to the team to deploy Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”
His instructions included to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
However there have been countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.
He has a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have stalled.
Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game indicated strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
Balague said, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being the best player, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he's felt that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – to him he thinks why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and him currently.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
After winning all four of previous campaign's matches, the latest display represented Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the approach isn't working without them.
The expert stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”
Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.
The big names weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue