Los Blancos Commanding however Vinicius Strains Grow – Key Clasico Highlights

This proved to be almost a flawless performance for Real Madrid, as they defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico and increase their advantage at the top in the Spanish league by five points.

The English midfielder notched his maiden league goal and assist this term following a difficult few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his lethal performance in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked directly past the coach before stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Success from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's previous eight managers lost their initial league match with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The new system appears to be good news for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, “By using Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and better ability to close down the spaces.”

As a result the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However recently there were countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game indicated tension. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

Balague said, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself close to being the best player, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – to him he thinks why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and the player currently.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's matches, this outing represented Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective without them.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems

Sheena Martin
Sheena Martin

A digital nomad and minimalist lifestyle coach, sharing strategies for intentional living and sustainable habits.