Real Madrid Commanding however Vinicius Strains Grow – Major Clasico Takeaways
It was nearly a flawless day from Real Madrid, as they defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one during the famous derby and extend their advantage at the top in La Liga to five points.
Bellingham scored his maiden league goal along with key pass this campaign following a difficult period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.
However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.
Frustrated with coming off, the star forward complained while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before marched to the dressing room, before coming back on the sidelines several minutes.
Alonso System Delivers Results for Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their debut La Liga encounter against Barca.
After the relaxed method under Ancelotti fell short last season, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.
A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
This approach appears to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was expected to do everything in midfield and more.
On paper the young star started wide right, but in practice he could to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and better ability to close down the channels.”
This led to them to put Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to track the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”
He was told to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Revealed
It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant was chanted multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
But recently there were various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.
He has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The analyst commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being the top star, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he questions why always me?.”
It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”
Barca's Approach “Struggles”
Following victories in all four of last season's matches, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky early form.
Absences have robbed the manager of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.
Balague commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.
Key players were below par. Yamal appears in top condition, maybe due to injury issues