Los Blancos Strong however Vinicius Strains Intensify – Key Spanish Derby Talking Points
This proved to be nearly a perfect day for the Madrid side, who beat their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico and stretch their lead in first place in the Spanish league to five points.
The English midfielder scored his inaugural league goal along with setup this term after a tough period recovering from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his deadly form in attack, and the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.
Yet the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.
Frustrated at being substituted, Vinicius ranted while walking right by his manager and marched to the dressing room, before returning to the bench several minutes.
Manager's Approach Yields Results for Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's last eight coaches lost their first La Liga match with their rivals.
After the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced its first major result.
Spanish football analyst commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players even the forward.”
The team's shape with two banks separated by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”
The tactical change looks to be positive for Jude, as he in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.
On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The expert stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get greater energy and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result them to position Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to track the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, connecting with him a few times.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and make Barca's task very difficult.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant rang out on several occasions by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
But recently there were numerous stories over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
He has one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game spoke of issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.
The expert noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you feel close to being the top star, but the team redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he's felt that the club is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and Vinicius currently.”
Their System “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the recent derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective without them.
The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack failing to press those on the ball adequately.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.
“Their stars were below par. Lamine seems not he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems