The Madrid Giants Strong however Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Major Spanish Derby Highlights
The match represented almost a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 during the famous derby to increase the gap in first place of the Spanish league to five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal and assist of the season after a challenging spell healing from a shoulder operation.
The French forward continued his deadly performance in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines proved brilliantly.
But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again yet again.
Frustrated with coming off, the star forward protested on his way right by Xabi Alonso and headed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the substitute area after a short while.
Alonso System Delivers Success for Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their initial league match with their rivals.
After the player-focused style under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, his structured approach produced an important victory.
An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”
This approach seems good news for Jude, as he previously was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.
Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he could to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
Balague continued, With the French midfielder in the middle, this provides greater energy and more ways to block the channels.”
This led to them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, and he located him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barca's task challenging.”
Strained Relations Exposed
It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
Yet there have been various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.
Vinicius has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”
This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”
It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and him currently.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.
Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster appears he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems