The Madrid Giants Impressive but Vinicius Junior Strains Escalate – Key Clasico Highlights
This proved to be practically a flawless day for the Madrid side, who overcame Barca 2-1 in the Clasico and stretch their lead at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
The English midfielder got his inaugural domestic strike along with key pass this campaign after a challenging spell recovering from shoulder surgery.
The French forward maintained his lethal form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.
Dissatisfied with coming off, the star forward ranted on his way straight past the coach and headed off the pitch, before coming back to the bench after a short while.
Alonso System Delivers Success from the Midfielder
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial league encounter against Barcelona.
After the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.
An expert noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, and Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
This approach looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he previously was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.
In the lineup the young star started wide right, however he was allowed to drift inward and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst continued, With Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and additional options to block the channels.”
As a result them to put Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.
However recently there were numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos would consider selling him should a suitable bid arrived.
The winger has a year left on his deal when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
The player's reaction when substituted in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.
Balague commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
During this campaign he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”
It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and Vinicius currently.”
Their System “Crumbles”
Following victories in each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.
Balague commented, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”
“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
Key players weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue