🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost a perfect performance for the Madrid side, who overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 during the Clasico to increase their lead in first place in the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league along with key pass this campaign after a tough few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical touch in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Frustrated with being substituted, Vinicius ranted on his way straight past his manager and headed off the pitch, then coming back to the bench later.

Tactical Setup Gets Success for the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Real's last eight managers lost their initial league meeting with Barcelona.

After the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, and the visitors didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two layers separated by a short distance. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

This approach seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he in the past was expected to do everything in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst stated, With Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and additional options to block the spaces.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant was chanted repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.

However there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger has one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

His response when substituted in the second half indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you feel near number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently 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 a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – to him he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

The expert stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball as expected.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue