Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Strains Escalate – Major El Clasico Takeaways
It was practically an ideal outing for the Madrid side, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to stretch the gap in first place of the Spanish league to five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his first domestic strike and assist this term following a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.
Mbappe continued his deadly form when scoring, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.
Frustrated with coming off, the star forward protested while walking directly past the coach and headed to the dressing room, before coming back on the sidelines several minutes.
Tactical Setup Delivers Results for the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their first league match with Barca.
Following the relaxed style from the previous coach fell short last season, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.
Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barca were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, all players even the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”
The tactical change seems beneficial for Jude, who in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.
On paper the young star played on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and assist the attack or enter the box.
Balague stated, Employing Camavinga in the middle, you get increased movement and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”
As a result the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to track Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”
His instructions included to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Laid Bare
Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his name was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
However recently there were countless reports over the past period that the club might think about allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.
The winger has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
His response when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself near number one in the world, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he believes that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”
This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”
It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Following victories in all four of last season's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have robbed the manager of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.
The expert stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”
Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue