Real Madrid Impressive yet Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Major Clasico Talking Points
It was practically a perfect day for the Madrid side, who overcame Barca 2-1 in the famous derby and increase the gap in first place of the Spanish league by five points.
The English midfielder got his inaugural goal in the league along with assist this campaign after a tough spell recovering from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his clinical form in attack, while the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout functioned like a charm.
However the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.
Frustrated with his substitution, Vinicius protested on his way straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines later.
Tactical Setup Delivers Results for the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's recent managers were defeated in their debut league encounter against Barca.
After the relaxed style under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered an important victory.
Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, all players including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”
The new system looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.
On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
The analyst added, “By using Camavinga in the middle, this provides more dynamism and more ways to close down the spaces.”
“That forced the team to put Jude on the right flank. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”
He was told to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play challenging.”
Strained Relations Exposed
It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.
Yet multiple various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave if the right offer arrived.
The winger will have a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.
The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.
The expert noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is hard to change, notably when you feel near the best player, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of €250 million for him and sell him.”
He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius currently.”
Their System “Falls Apart”
After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.
Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective in their absence.
Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by teammates not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”
The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
Key players did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue