🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically an ideal performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico and extend their advantage at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham got his first domestic strike and assist this term after a tough spell healing from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe showed his lethal touch in attack, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico in the dugout functioned like a charm.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger protested while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before headed off the pitch, before reappearing on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Gets Success from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's last eight coaches lost their first La Liga match with their rivals.

Following the relaxed method from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded its first major result.

A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

“They defended in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be good news for Bellingham, who previously had been tasked to do everything in the center and beyond.

On paper the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, Employing Camavinga in the middle, you get more dynamism and additional options to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play very difficult.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

However multiple numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius will have a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

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

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he's felt that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million for him and sell him.”

This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he thinks why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and his system is failing when they are missing.

The analyst commented, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names were below par. Lamine appears in top condition, maybe due to groin problems