🔗 Share this article

The match represented almost an ideal day from the Madrid side, as they beat Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico to extend the gap at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his first goal in the league along with setup this campaign after a tough spell healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his lethal performance in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his first derby on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.

Frustrated with coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso before headed off the pitch, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial La Liga encounter with their rivals.

After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be positive for Jude, as he last season was expected to do everything in the engine room and more.

In the lineup the young star played on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, “By using Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to position Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

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

Yet multiple countless reports over the past period that the club could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

He has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.

Balague commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is hard to change, especially when you feel near the best player, but the team redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he believes that the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and him at the moment.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the recent matches, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

The expert commented, The squad seems are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems