🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost a flawless outing from the Madrid side, who overcame Barca two goals to one during El Clasico and stretch the gap at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his inaugural goal in the league and assist this campaign following a difficult spell coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his clinical touch when scoring, while the coach's game plan in his first derby as coach proved perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius protested on his way straight past the coach and marched off the pitch, before coming back to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their debut league encounter against their rivals.

Following the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, and the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach looks to be positive for the midfielder, as he previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and more.

On paper the young star started wide right, but in practice he could to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, With Camavinga in the middle, this provides greater energy and better ability to close down the channels.”

This led to them to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant was chanted multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

Yet there have been countless reports over the past period that the club would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.

He has a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you believe close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of €250 million for him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of last season's derbies, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems