🔗 Share this article

The match represented almost a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca two goals to one during the Clasico to increase the gap at the top of the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder scored his first goal in the league and key pass of the season after a challenging few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe showed his deadly performance in front of goal, and the manager's strategy during his debut derby in the dugout functioned perfectly.

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

Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward protested while walking straight past the coach and marched down the tunnel, before returning to the bench several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Success from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach seems good news for Bellingham, as he in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he could to drift inward and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The analyst stated, Employing the French midfielder in the center, it brings increased movement and more ways to close down the passing lanes.”

This led to them to position Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly his role included to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

But there have been numerous stories over the past period that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.

He will have one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

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

Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has existed amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you believe on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective in their absence.

The expert said, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster seems not he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems