🔗 Share this article

The match represented nearly an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby and extend their lead at the top of the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder got his maiden goal in the league along with assist of the season following a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward maintained his lethal touch when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico on the sidelines proved perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.

Frustrated with being substituted, Vinicius protested on his way directly past the coach and stormed down the tunnel, then returning on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Yields Results from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their initial league encounter against Barca.

After the relaxed style under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system seems positive for the midfielder, who in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.

In the lineup the young star played on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, “By using the French midfielder in the center, it brings greater energy and additional options to shut down the channels.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius will have one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

Balague commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you feel on the verge of the best player, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and him now.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and his system isn't working in their absence.

The expert stated, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

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

“Their stars were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems