🔗 Share this article

It was almost an ideal day for Real Madrid, who overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby and increase their lead at the summit in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his maiden league goal and setup this campaign following a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his lethal performance in attack, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the bench after a short while.

Manager's Approach Delivers Results for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their debut La Liga match against their rivals.

Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona struggled due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

This approach appears to be positive for Jude, as he in the past was expected to do everything in the center and beyond.

On paper the young star started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, you get greater energy and additional options to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play very difficult.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were countless reports lately that the club would consider selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

He has one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

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

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach isn't working without them.

The analyst said, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. Yamal seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues