🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost an ideal outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals two goals to one during the Clasico to extend the gap at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league and setup this campaign following a tough few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal touch in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, Vinicius ranted as he walked right by Xabi Alonso and marched down the tunnel, then returning on the sidelines several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Success for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's previous eight managers lost their debut La Liga meeting with Barca.

After the relaxed style under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be positive for Bellingham, as he in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and more.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, but actually he could to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings more dynamism and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

Undoubtedly that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name rang out on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

Yet there have been various accounts in recent months that the club might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

He will have a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction after coming off in the second half indicated tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you feel on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and his system is failing when they are missing.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of groin problems