🔗 Share this article

It was practically an ideal outing for Real Madrid, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to stretch the gap at the summit of La Liga by five points.

Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league and assist of the season following a tough period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal touch in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger complained as he walked right by his manager before stormed down the tunnel, before reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Results from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's last eight managers lost their first La Liga encounter against Barca.

After the player-focused approach from the previous coach fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. The home side performed excellently, and Barca were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The new system seems beneficial for Jude, who in the past was expected to do everything in the center and beyond.

On paper the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, With the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him were sung multiple times by a fervent home supporters.

But recently there were countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid was made.

The winger has one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you believe near number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the organization isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.

The expert commented, The squad seems are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

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

The big names did not perform well. The youngster appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue