🔗 Share this article

It was practically an ideal performance from the Madrid side, as they defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico and increase their advantage at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league along with assist this term following a tough spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his deadly touch when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his first derby as coach worked perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested while walking right by the coach and stormed off the pitch, then returning to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Gets Results from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's recent coaches lost their debut league encounter against their rivals.

After the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, and Barca struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

“They defended in two lines separated by a short distance. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems good news for Jude, as he in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert stated, With Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and additional options to block the channels.”

“That forced them to position Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

He was told to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple countless reports lately that the club could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger will have one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

His response when substituted in the second half spoke of issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you feel close to being the top star, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and the player at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players did not perform well. Yamal seems not in top condition, possibly because of groin problems