🔗 Share this article

This proved to be nearly an ideal performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend the gap at the top of the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and assist this term after a tough period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal form when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico on the sidelines proved perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.

Unhappy with being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting against Barcelona.

Following the player-focused style from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barca were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.

In the lineup the young star played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, “By using the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and more ways to block the channels.”

As a result the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However there have been numerous stories lately that the club might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

He has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction after coming off late in the game suggested strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

However, from a young age, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you feel close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he believes that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have deprived the manager of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

Balague said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues