Los Blancos Commanding but Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Key Spanish Derby Highlights
It was nearly a perfect outing for Real Madrid, as they beat their arch-rivals two goals to one during the famous derby to extend the gap at the summit of La Liga by five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his maiden league goal along with assist this campaign after a challenging few months healing from shoulder surgery.
The French forward continued his lethal performance when scoring, and Alonso's tactics during his debut derby as coach functioned perfectly.
But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.
Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius protested on his way directly past his manager before marched to the dressing room, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.
Alonso System Delivers Success for Bellingham
In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's recent coaches lost their first league encounter against Barcelona.
After the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.
An expert observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”
Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”
“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The new system appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.
Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst stated, With Camavinga in the center, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”
As a result them to put Jude wide right. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”
He was told to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play very difficult.”
Conflict Issues Exposed
It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung repeatedly by the passionate Madrid fans.
However there have been numerous stories over the past period that the club could entertain letting him leave if the right offer was made.
The winger will have a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.
Vinicius' behavior to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The expert said, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”
However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you feel on the verge of number one in the world, but the team redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”
Recently he believes that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius currently.”
Barca's Approach “Crumbles”
Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing represented Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and his system is failing in their absence.
Balague stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”
The young talent, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.
“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue