🔗 Share this article

The match represented nearly an ideal day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico to stretch their lead at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league along with setup this term after a difficult spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.

Frustrated with being substituted, the star forward protested on his way right by his manager and headed off the pitch, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Gets Success from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's recent managers lost their debut league match against Barca.

Following the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barca were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The new system appears to be positive for the midfielder, as he previously had been tasked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert continued, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, it brings greater energy and better ability to close down the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

However recently there were various accounts lately that the club would consider selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius has one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

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

During this campaign he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's derbies, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

The expert said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not organized, which was the case Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues