Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Issues Intensify – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
The match represented nearly a perfect performance from Real Madrid, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one during the famous derby to increase their advantage at the summit in the domestic championship to five points.
The English midfielder got his first league goal along with key pass this campaign following a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his deadly touch when scoring, and the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.
Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past the coach and marched to the dressing room, then returning to the bench several minutes.
Alonso System Gets Success for the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Real's previous eight bosses lost their initial La Liga encounter with Barcelona.
After the player-focused style from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.
An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”
The new system appears to be positive for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.
On paper the young star played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The expert added, With Camavinga in the center, you get increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.”
“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he would have been asked to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play challenging.”
Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.
But multiple numerous stories in recent months that the club could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.
He has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.
The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself near the top star, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he says why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
After winning each of the recent Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.
Injuries have robbed the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working when they are missing.
The expert commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack failing to press those on the ball as expected.”
The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
Key players did not perform well. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue