🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby and increase the gap at the top of the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder scored his maiden league goal and key pass of the season following a tough spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward complained as he walked right by his manager before stormed to the dressing room, before coming back to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Yields Results for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Real's previous eight managers lost their debut La Liga match against Barcelona.

Following the laissez-faire style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for Jude, as he previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and more ways to block the spaces.”

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

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However there have been various accounts lately that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response to being replaced late in the game suggested strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and sell him.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of previous campaign's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

The big names were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues