🔗 Share this article

It was nearly a perfect day from Real Madrid, as they beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to increase their lead in first place in the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder notched his maiden league goal along with key pass this term after a tough period healing from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe continued his clinical performance when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Frustrated with being substituted, Vinicius complained on his way right by the coach and stormed down the tunnel, before coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Results for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their debut La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. The home side performed excellently, and the visitors didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be positive for Jude, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and more.

In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides greater energy and additional options to close down the spaces.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.

But multiple numerous stories over the past period that the club would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

Vinicius has one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you feel 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 the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and the player currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning each of the recent derbies, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

Balague commented, The squad seems are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped by teammates not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was neutralized.

“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems