Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Strains Intensify – Important Clasico Takeaways
It was nearly an ideal performance from Real Madrid, as they beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico and stretch their lead at the summit of the Spanish league by five points.
The English midfielder notched his maiden domestic strike and key pass this campaign after a challenging few months healing from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his lethal performance in attack, and the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico as coach worked like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.
Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward protested while walking right by Xabi Alonso before stormed off the pitch, before coming back to the bench after a short while.
Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's recent coaches were defeated in their debut league match with their rivals.
Following the player-focused style from the previous coach fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced its first major result.
An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, and Barcelona didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. Barcelona were unable to break through.”
The tactical change appears to be positive for Jude, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.
On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.
Balague added, With the French midfielder in the middle, you get greater energy and better ability to close down the channels.”
As a result them to position Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play challenging.”
Strained Relations Exposed
There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
But recently there were countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.
The winger has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested tension. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.
The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel on the verge of number one in the world, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, and after the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and Vinicius currently.”
Barca's Approach “Crumbles”
Following victories in each of the last season's matches, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.
Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and his system is failing in their absence.
The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the first goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”
The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.
“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue