Tottenham Defender Micky van de Ven Expresses Shock Over Postecoglou Sacking
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- By Michael Miranda
- 14 May 2026
It was practically a flawless day from Real Madrid, who defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 during El Clasico and increase their lead in first place of the domestic championship to five points.
Bellingham scored his inaugural league goal along with assist this campaign following a challenging few months coming back from a shoulder operation.
Mbappe maintained his lethal touch in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico on the sidelines functioned brilliantly.
However the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.
Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and marched down the tunnel, then returning to the bench after a short while.
As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their first league match against their rivals.
Following the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system yielded its first major result.
Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”
The tactical change looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously was expected to do everything in midfield and more.
Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert stated, With Camavinga in the middle, you get increased movement and more ways to close down the channels.”
“That forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”
He was told to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life tough.”
It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.
But multiple countless reports in recent months that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer was made.
Vinicius will have a year left on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half suggested tension. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.
The analyst said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you feel on the verge of the top star, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
Recently he's felt that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”
“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”
Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”
Following victories in all four of previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.
Absences have robbed the manager of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.
The analyst stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems
Elara is a financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and entrepreneurship.