🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically a flawless day from Real Madrid, who defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to extend the gap at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his inaugural league goal and key pass this term after a difficult spell healing from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut derby on the sidelines functioned brilliantly.

However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested on his way directly past the coach and marched to the dressing room, before reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Success from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's previous eight coaches were defeated in their debut league encounter against Barcelona.

Following the laissez-faire method from the previous coach fell short earlier, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

An expert noted, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, and the visitors were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The new system looks to be positive for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.

On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get greater energy and more ways to shut down the channels.”

As a result the team to put Jude wide right. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

But recently there were numerous stories lately that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

Vinicius will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

His response when substituted in the second half suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you believe close to being the best player, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he has perceived that the club has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to mend relations between the club and Vinicius now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display represented Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and his system is failing when they are missing.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Yamal seems not in top condition, maybe due to injury issues