🔗 Share this article

This proved to be practically a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico to increase their lead at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.

The English midfielder got his inaugural domestic strike along with assist of the season after a difficult few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his lethal performance in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, Vinicius complained as he walked directly past the coach before marched down the tunnel, then returning to the bench later.

Manager's Approach Yields Results for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga encounter against their rivals.

After the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players including the forward.”

“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings increased movement and better ability to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to position Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”

He was told to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about selling him if the right offer were to come in.

Vinicius has one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you feel on the verge of the top star, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

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

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning all four of previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.

The expert stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster appears in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue