Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Strains Grow β Major Clasico Highlights
The match represented practically a perfect day from Real Madrid, who defeated Barca two goals to one during the famous derby to stretch their lead in first place in La Liga by five points.
Jude Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league along with assist this campaign after a difficult spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal form in attack, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines proved brilliantly.
Yet the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.
Frustrated at his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained as he walked right by the coach before marched down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.
Alonso System Gets Success for Jude Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their first league match against their rivals.
After the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.
An expert commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.β
Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.β
The team's shape in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.β
This approach appears to be positive for Jude, as he in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and beyond.
In the lineup the young star played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The expert continued, βBy using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and better ability to shut down the channels.β
βThat forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he found him on several occasions.β
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play tough.β
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.
But there have been countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid would consider selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.
Vinicius has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have stalled.
Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
The analyst said, βEveryone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.β
However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.β
This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel close to being number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.β
During this campaign he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.β
He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him β justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected β in his mind he questions βwhy me, why me again?.β
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.β
Their System βCrumblesβ
Following victories in all four of last season's matches, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of key players including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.
The expert said, βIt's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.β
βIt's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.β
The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues