This proved to be almost a perfect outing for Real Madrid, who beat Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico to stretch the gap at the top in La Liga to five points.
The English midfielder scored his maiden goal in the league and assist of the season after a difficult few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.
The French forward showed his lethal form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.
However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.
Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed off the pitch, before returning to the substitute area later.
In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their first league match with Barca.
After the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.
A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and Barcelona didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”
“Without the ball, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”
Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”
The tactical change looks to be good news for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.
In the lineup the young star played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.
The expert stated, “By using the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and more ways to block the spaces.”
This led to them to put Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to track the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and make the opponent's play very difficult.”
It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.
Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave if the right offer arrived.
The winger has a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half spoke of issues. When the match ended, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and him now.”
Following victories in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Absences have left without the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective in their absence.
Balague commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
They are more vulnerable to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.
Key players were below par. Yamal seems not he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems
A tech enthusiast and gaming aficionado with over a decade of experience in digital media and content creation.
News