🔗 Share this article

This proved to be practically an ideal performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and stretch their advantage at the summit of La Liga by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league and assist of the season following a challenging period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, and the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico in the dugout functioned like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked directly past the coach and stormed to the dressing room, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Results from the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's last eight coaches lost their initial La Liga meeting against Barca.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, all players including the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers spaced by a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert added, “By using the French midfielder in the center, it brings increased movement and additional options to block the channels.”

“That forced them to position Bellingham wide right. Certainly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

He was told to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.

However there have been numerous stories over the past period that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure if the right offer was made.

He has one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

His response when substituted late in the game spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

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

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and let him go.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and him currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

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

Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The expert said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. Lamine appears he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue