Real Madrid Strong yet Vinicius Strains Grow – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways
The match represented almost an ideal outing for the Madrid side, who beat their arch-rivals 2-1 during the famous derby and extend their advantage at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.
Bellingham notched his maiden domestic strike and setup this campaign after a tough period coming back from shoulder surgery.
Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical touch in attack, while the manager's strategy during his debut derby in the dugout worked like a charm.
But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more.
Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past the coach before marched off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench several minutes.
Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes from Bellingham
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their debut La Liga encounter against Barcelona.
Following the player-focused style from the previous coach fell short earlier, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”
“They defended in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”
The new system seems beneficial for Jude, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and more.
In the lineup the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague continued, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to close down the channels.”
“That forced them to position Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barca's task tough.”
Conflict Issues Revealed
There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
But there have been numerous stories lately that the club would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.
He has one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself near the top star, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros for him and sell him.”
He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and him currently.”
Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”
Following victories in each of the last season's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Fitness issues have deprived the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.
Balague stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.
The big names weren't at their best. Yamal appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue