🔗 Share this article

It was almost a perfect day from Real Madrid, as they overcame Barca two goals to one in El Clasico to increase their lead at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his first domestic strike along with key pass of the season after a tough spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe showed his clinical form in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by his manager before stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing on the sidelines later.

Alonso System Gets Results for Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their first league encounter against their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, all players even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert continued, Employing Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and more ways to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to position Jude wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

But recently there were countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave if an attractive proposal were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself near the best player, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he questions why always me?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of last season's Clasicos, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.

Balague said, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems