The Madrid Giants Impressive yet Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Important Spanish Derby Talking Points
It was nearly an ideal day from the Madrid side, who defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend their advantage at the summit of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.
Jude Bellingham notched his first goal in the league along with key pass of the season after a challenging period healing from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe showed his deadly touch when scoring, and Alonso's tactics during his debut Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.
However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.
Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward complained as he walked right by Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.
Manager's Approach Delivers Results for Bellingham
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their initial La Liga encounter with Barca.
Following the player-focused approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach delivered an important victory.
Spanish football analyst commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, while Barca struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”
When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”
The team's shape with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”
The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.
In the lineup the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and more ways to shut down the channels.”
“That forced the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, and he found him a few times.”
He was told to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”
Vinicius Tensions Exposed
There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.
But there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.
Vinicius has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you feel near number one in the world, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”
He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and Vinicius at the moment.”
Barcelona Style “Struggles”
Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's derbies, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Injuries have deprived the manager of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.
The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.
Key players weren't at their best. Lamine seems not he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue