Los Blancos Commanding but Vinicius Junior Strains Grow – Important Clasico Takeaways
This proved to be practically a perfect performance from Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 during El Clasico to extend their lead at the top in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
The English midfielder notched his inaugural league goal along with setup this campaign after a difficult few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe continued his lethal performance in attack, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico in the dugout worked brilliantly.
However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.
Dissatisfied with his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested on his way directly past his manager before headed off the pitch, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.
Tactical Setup Gets Results from Jude Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Real's recent managers were defeated in their debut La Liga encounter with Barca.
Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.
A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”
This approach appears to be good news for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in the center and additional duties.
On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The expert stated, With Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play challenging.”
Strained Relations Exposed
There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
But there have been numerous stories over the past period that the club would consider selling him if the right offer was made.
Vinicius has one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game indicated issues. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.
Balague noted, 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 believes that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you feel on the verge of number one in the world, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”
He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations with the club and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
After winning all four of recent matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing in their absence.
Balague stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.
Key players weren't at their best. Lamine seems not he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue