Real Madrid Impressive however Vinicius Junior Strains Intensify – Major Spanish Derby Takeaways
This proved to be almost a flawless outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico to extend their lead at the top in the Spanish league by five points.
The English midfielder notched his inaugural league goal and setup this campaign after a tough period recovering from a shoulder operation.
The French forward continued his lethal form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first derby on the sidelines worked perfectly.
Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.
Frustrated at coming off, the star forward protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso and marched down the tunnel, before coming back on the sidelines later.
Alonso System Yields Success from the Midfielder
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their first league match against Barcelona.
Following the relaxed method from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barca didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”
The team's shape in two lines spaced by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The new system seems beneficial for Jude, who previously had been tasked to do everything in midfield and more.
Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The analyst continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and additional options to block the spaces.”
As a result the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he found him a few times.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and cause Barca's task tough.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.
But there have been numerous stories lately that the club might think about selling him if the right offer was made.
He has one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have stalled.
Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half indicated issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The analyst commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of the top star, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius now.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky early form.
Injuries have left without the manager of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.
The expert commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.
Key players did not perform well. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems