Real Madrid Commanding but Vinicius Issues Grow – Major El Clasico Takeaways
The match represented almost a perfect performance for the Madrid side, as they overcame their arch-rivals two goals to one during the Clasico to increase their lead at the summit of La Liga to five points.
Bellingham got his maiden league goal along with key pass of the season following a tough spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe showed his lethal performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.
However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.
Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained while walking directly past his manager before headed off the pitch, then coming back to the substitute area after a short while.
Tactical Setup Delivers Success from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's last eight managers lost their first league meeting with Barca.
Following the relaxed method from the previous coach did not deliver last season, his structured approach yielded an important victory.
A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”
The new system appears to be good news for Jude, who previously was expected to do everything in midfield and additional duties.
On paper the young star played on the right, however he had the freedom to come inside and either assist the attack or enter the box.
Balague stated, “By using Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”
This led to them to position Jude wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, his chant was chanted multiple times by a fervent home supporters.
However recently there were various accounts lately that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.
The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.
His response to being replaced in the second half indicated issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.
The analyst said, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself near the top star, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”
During this campaign he has perceived that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Following victories in all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.
Balague stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging those on the ball as expected.”
The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars weren't at their best. Lamine appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues