The Madrid Giants Strong but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Important Clasico Highlights
The match represented almost an ideal outing from Real Madrid, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico and increase their lead at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and key pass this campaign after a tough period healing from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical touch in attack, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.
However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.
Unhappy at coming off, the star forward complained as he walked straight past the coach and stormed off the pitch, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.
Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses were defeated in their debut league meeting with their rivals.
After the laissez-faire method from the previous coach failed to get results last season, the new tactical system produced its first major result.
A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, while Barcelona struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
The new system appears to be good news for Jude, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.
On paper Bellingham started wide right, but actually he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
The expert stated, With Camavinga in central midfield, you get more dynamism and more ways to block the spaces.”
“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant were sung multiple times by a fervent home supporters.
But recently there were numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.
The winger will have one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
His response after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.
The expert commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you feel on the verge of the best player, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and him currently.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Following victories in each of the previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have deprived the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.
Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”
Yamal, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.
Key players were below par. Lamine appears he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues