The Madrid Giants Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Important Spanish Derby Highlights

The match represented almost a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend the gap at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham got his maiden domestic strike along with assist this term following a difficult spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied at coming off, the star forward protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before marched down the tunnel, then coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Results for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire style from the previous coach failed to get results last season, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

In the lineup the young star played on the right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, it brings greater energy and additional options to block the channels.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, his name were sung multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

Yet recently there were countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

The analyst noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself close to being the best player, but the team drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the club is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and when the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.

Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not organized, which was the case the first goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.

The big names were below par. The youngster seems not he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems

Mr. William Kerr
Mr. William Kerr

An avid mountaineer and writer sharing insights from global expeditions and wilderness survival.