The match represented practically a flawless outing for Real Madrid, as they defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to extend their advantage in first place in the Spanish league to five points.
The English midfielder notched his first domestic strike along with setup this campaign following a difficult few months coming back from a shoulder operation.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby in the dugout proved brilliantly.
But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.
Unhappy at his substitution, the star forward complained as he walked straight past his manager and stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their debut league meeting against Barca.
Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded an important victory.
An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, and Barca struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”
The new system seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.
In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
Balague added, With Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.”
“That forced the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life tough.”
It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.
Yet there have been numerous stories over the past period that the club could entertain letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.
Vinicius has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.
The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.
The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”
However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself close to being the top star, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he believes that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of €250 million for him and let him go.”
He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him currently.”
After winning all four of recent matches, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.
Absences have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing when they are missing.
Balague said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”
They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press those on the ball adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
The big names weren't at their best. The youngster seems not he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues
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