🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically an ideal performance for the Madrid side, who defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one in El Clasico to increase the gap at the top in La Liga by five points.

The English midfielder notched his first goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a tough period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical performance in attack, while the manager's strategy during his debut derby in the dugout functioned perfectly.

However the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.

Unhappy with his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained on his way directly past Xabi Alonso and headed off the pitch, before returning to the substitute area later.

Manager's Approach Yields Success from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their first league encounter against Barcelona.

Following the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The expert continued, “By using the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he would have been asked to track the forward's positioning on the ball with room, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make the opponent's play very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his chant rang out on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

But there have been numerous stories lately that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

The winger will have one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is hard to change, especially when you feel on the verge of the best player, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and the player now.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.

Balague commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue