Real Madrid Wins Clasico; Liverpool Suffers Loss; Headlines.

What a weekend of soccer! The premier European leagues delivered a captivating array of storylines, from the compelling action in Spain to significant outcomes in England, and even some debates in Italy’s Serie A.

Let’s begin with an examination of the Clasico, which provided an exciting spectacle on and off the pitch. Real Madrid emerged victorious with a solid 2-1 triumph over Barcelona, yet not everyone on the Madrid side was pleased — Vinicius Jr. exited the match in frustration after being substituted in the second half — and the game concluded with skirmishes that led to a number of cards being issued after the final whistle.

In England’s Premier League, reigning champions Liverpool suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, severely impacting their chances of defending their title, and exposing the team’s current deficiencies. Italy’s clash of title contenders was also rich with notable incidents, as Napoli secured a vital victory over Inter Milan despite a contentious penalty decision. (Napoli supporters are now concerned about Kevin de Bruyne, who left the game early with an apparent injury.)

Elsewhere, there’s plenty to discuss regarding Bayern Munich (who extended their winning streak to thirteen games to begin the season), Chelsea (clearly missing Cole Palmer’s influence), Tottenham (who are showing signs of improvement after a 3-0 victory over Everton), Manchester United (possibly making progress after defeating Brentford), Paris Saint-Germain (continuing to manage player minutes effectively) and much more.

With the arrival of Monday morning, there is no better time for Gab Marcotti’s perspectives. Let’s delve into these topics.

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Real Madrid’s dominant Clasico victory sets the stage as Lamine Yamal vs. Vinícius becomes an interesting narrative

Sunday’s Clasico concluded with law enforcement positioned near the field to prevent a potential confrontation: Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior on one side, opposing Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. This scene brought back memories of the heated battles between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola during the Clasico matches, despite the efforts of Real manager Xabi Alonso (who was a dedicated follower of Mourinho in that era) to downplay the situation, referring to it as a “healthy rivalry.”

We will address the external aspects shortly; first, let’s focus on the game itself. Real Madrid’s performance in the first half of their 2-1 victory over Barcelona may have been the strongest seen since Alonso took over. He demonstrated confidence in Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, who both rose to the occasion: they limited Barca’s control and took advantage of their own possession. Managing 36% possession while achieving an xG of 2.29 exemplifies exceptional efficiency. The sole error was Fermín López’s goal, which came against the tide of the game after a rare mistake by Arda Güler.

– Reaction: Alonso, Real Madrid secure significant Clasico victory
– Vinicius’ outburst overshadows victory: ‘It’s not all about you’
– Barca’s De Jong criticizes Carvajal’s actions regarding Yamal

Alonso secured the effort and level of play he desired from his team — even from players like Vini and Bellingham. A minor observation is that they became too comfortable after halftime, relying on Éder Militão’s defensive capabilities, even though Kylian Mbappé missing his penalty in the second half would have mitigated the issue. (Additionally, any doubts regarding the penalty decision show a lack of understanding of how handball rules are implemented in Spain.) Nevertheless, it remains a Clasico, and halting the streak of defeats — after four losses — was essential, not only for morale, but also for Alonso’s standing with the club.

To what degree was this result due to Barcelona’s weaknesses? To a significant extent.

Facing a Real Madrid team playing with this level of force and power, creative solutions were needed from alternatives to Pedri (who played his part, despite his suspension after a red card). With Yamal clearly struggling (yet still participating, and one hopes this does not cause future issues given his young age), it became notably difficult for Dani Olmo and Raphinha (and Gavi, often underappreciated) to breach Real Madrid’s defensive setup. Lopez shows potential, but is not suited for this type of situation, neither is Marcus Rashford.

The limited options available — ending with Ronald Araújo as a makeshift forward (Robert Lewandowski is also still unavailable) is not a positive sign — serves as a partial excuse for this game, but not for the entire season. This team was not well-assembled, and if Eric García and Pau Cubarsí struggle with Hansi Flick’s strategy, it’s partly due to resources being directed elsewhere, specifically towards superfluous, eye-catching players.

Regarding discipline, Flick’s influence is limited since he was observing from the stands, having lost his composure and being dismissed in the prior match. However, the problem begins at the higher organizational levels. Sending Yamal, at 18 years old, before a Clasico to suggest to Ibai Llanos that Real Madrid “steal and then complain” is simply irresponsible. This reflects a lack of leadership from senior members of the club, even if they believe the statement to be accurate.

Expressing such sentiments may be valid in certain contexts to gain a strategic advantage, disrupt the opposition, or express grievances. There is a proper method, timing, and messenger for such communication. It’s inappropriate for a teenager to convey this message before a critical game, particularly when he is not fully fit and burdened with excessive pressure.

The inevitable consequences of these actions were realized. Carvajal and Vini (who isn’t immune to discipline issues as shown by his reaction to being replaced) challenged him, leading to the previously mentioned events. This situation could galvanize Real Madrid’s team, especially if Alonso delivers an effective psychological message, encouraging team unity. In contrast, Flick will need to re-evaluate whether Yamal needs to be reined in. The challenge is that, at present, Yamal is necessary despite his fitness issues.

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Arne Slot offers blunt assessment as Liverpool suffer fourth league loss consecutively

Notably, after the 3-2 defeat to Brentford on Saturday, Liverpool has now suffered four straight league losses, equaling their total from their title-winning season. Slot addresses this directly — without focusing on the penalty decision that did not go their way — emphasizing that there are “significant areas” needing improvement, and noting varied problems in each match during their poor run.

On Saturday, the focus was on defensive frailties, especially considering the nature of Brentford’s second goal. Mikkel Damsgaard delivered a precise pass for Kevin Schade, yet Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté appeared inexperienced. Despite discussions about Michael Kayode’s throwing ability, the ball reached the near post. (I also cannot understand how Milos Kerkez defended Dango Ouattara’s goal.)

– Lindop: Liverpool’s past success seems distant after another defeat
– Carragher: Liverpool is in ‘crisis mode’
– O’Hanlon: Should Liverpool be concerned about Salah?

Defensive strength can be improved, and the situation is clear-cut. With no other center backs besides Konate and Van Dijk, they need to improve as they are part of the problem. Van Dijk suggested they “need to self-reflect,” which is accurate.

While Slot must await improvement from his central defense, he can make changes elsewhere. The midfield is unrecognizable, and Ryan Gravenberch’s absence is notable. New players such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have not met expectations or justified their costs, and while Mohamed Salah scored a great goal, this season he has only shown sparks, unlike last year when he was crucial offensively.

Have too many new players arrived at once? Perhaps. Slot acknowledged this, and I have highlighted that it will take time for integration. Meanwhile, consistent performance and accumulating points are crucial. The 4-4-2 formation used against Eintracht Frankfurt may be worth revisiting, not only because of the 5-1 victory — Eintracht’s poor form, conceding 18 goals in five matches, was apparent — but also for its balance.

Against Eintracht, Wirtz covered the right side, supporting the fullback and moving inside when needed. The midfield offered support to the defense, and the two forwards facilitated pressing, albeit with adjusted triggers and patterns.

The front two could be selected from Salah, Isak, and Hugo Ekitike. Isak and Ekitike have experience in a front two. Although making changes mid-season is not ideal due to limited training time, the circumstances of the window and injuries have reduced the practice time for the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Coaches must balance immediate needs with long-term goals. Focusing on the 4-2-3-1 and hoping for chemistry is an option, but prolonged focus could lead to falling behind and struggling for a lower-tier European spot.

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Inter should blame themselves, not the penalty, for their 3-1 loss at Napoli

To clarify, the penalty awarded to Kevin De Bruyne (resulting in a hamstring injury during the conversion) was questionable. The Italian referees’ association reportedly agrees, potentially leading to referee Maurizio Mariani’s suspension.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s interaction with Giovanni Di Lorenzo was initiated by the Napoli player, who subsequently fell in the box. The VAR did not step in, and the referee initially did not award the penalty, but the linesman intervened nearly 10 seconds later. This situation involves several issues — including the linesman’s interpretation and Mariani’s acceptance of the change, perhaps hoping VAR would correct errors. However, VAR did not deem it a “clear and obvious” mistake, possibly influenced by the directive to use a “high threshold.”

Given the situation, the referee could have requested an on-field review, which rarely occurs because it implies uncertainty, something referees avoid.

However, this questionable call does not explain Inter’s performance. After starting well and nearly leading through Lautaro Martínez, their performance waned. Scott McTominay’s goal compounded issues, and despite Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty, Inter never recovered, with André-Frank Zambo-Anguissa sealing the score at 3-1.

Inter’s chief executive Beppe Marotta said that the Napoli penalty shifted the game’s momentum. Cristian Chivu, their coach, stated: “We should not use it as an excuse or blame the referee. We should analyze ourselves.”

Inter missed this self-assessment and defensive determination from Francesco Acerbi and Manuel Akanji. Napoli, after a 6-2 defeat by PSV, demonstrated this resilience. Defending after a gifted penalty is easier, but Napoli played with David Neres as a makeshift forward, without Stanislav Lobotka in midfield, and lost De Bruyne after half an hour.

Inter is arguably the best team in Serie A, but Napoli now leads the league with Roma. Chivu’s team needs significant improvement to win.

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Quick hits

10. Bayern Munich match record with 13 consecutive victories: The Bundesliga match pitted the top team against the bottom, so Bayern’s 3-0 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach isn’t surprising. Despite playing with an extra player from the 19th minute, their first goal only came halfway through the second half. This scenario involved one team heavily defending after losing a player. Bayern’s xG before the goal was 2.41, and Gladbach’s only shot was Kevin Stöger’s penalty, which hit the post with 15 minutes left.

Bayern has now won 13 consecutive matches in all competitions, equaling Milan’s 1992-93 record for a Big Five club. This achievement is notable given the mood at the close of the transfer window.

9. Strong defense and set pieces drive Arsenal as they increase Premier League advantage, and may be crucial to winning a title: This is an observation, not a criticism. They defeated Crystal Palace 1-0, moving four points ahead in the Premier League thanks to a set-piece goal. They limited Palace, who had scored in every match, to only one shot on target. They have conceded a league-best three goals (on an xG of 5.3, also a league best) and scored 11 set-piece goals, compared to five from open play.

This indicates that their strong defense keeps them competitive, and set pieces allow them to score when others might not. This results in points even when they don’t play well, as seen against Palace. Can they improve? Possibly, once Bukayo Saka returns to his previous form and Martin Odegaard (and Kai Havertz) regain fitness. Until then, they will rely on their defense and set pieces.

8. Paris Saint-Germain outplay Brest as Luis Enrique manages player time: Such games may become typical. Brest defended deeply against PSG (who finished with 75% possession), making it a question of when, not if, PSG would score. Achraf Hakimi scored twice, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia adding a further assist, effectively deciding the match in the first half, before Désiré Doué scored a third. Brest’s hopes diminished when Romain Del Castillo slipped during a penalty, sending it over the bar.

No injuries and a reshuffled team (Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembélé, Doue, and Nuno Mendes started on the bench) allowed for adequate rest. Luis Enrique could not have hoped for a better outcome.

7. Newcomers Sunderland beat Chelsea, and the Blues still struggle without Cole Palmer: Palmer’s absence is notable for Chelsea, especially in games like this. After leading early at home against a team that alternates deep defense with coordinated pressing, better performance is expected. With Marc Guiu offering little impact (two touches in the opposition box in 76 minutes), João Pedro having an off day, and Alejandro Garnacho fading after an early goal, the attacking force was insufficient. Starting Estêvão might have helped, but he is still young and adjusting to a new league.

While defensive issues leading to Sunderland’s winner are important, conceding in transition during injury time is risky when aiming for three points. The primary issue lies in attack. Palmer masks problems, and when he is absent, the lack of chemistry is evident. Credit goes to Sunderland and coach Regis Le Bris, who outperformed Enzo Maresca (even without Chemsdine Talbi’s late goal). Being third in November exceeds expectations.

6. Borussia Dortmund showing signs of consistency: While caution is needed, Nico Kovac may be building something significant. Their 1-0 victory over Koln felt like a game where