🔗 Share this article

This proved to be practically a flawless performance from the Madrid side, who defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to increase their lead at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his inaugural domestic strike along with key pass this campaign following a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe showed his deadly form in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward protested while walking right by his manager and stormed down the tunnel, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Yields Results from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's recent coaches were defeated in their first La Liga encounter with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, and the visitors were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change looks to be positive for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and additional options to shut down the channels.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task tough.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his chant rang out on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

However recently there were various accounts in recent months that the club might think about selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you feel near the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning each of the last season's matches, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.

Balague commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players were below par. The youngster appears he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue