🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically an ideal outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby to extend the gap at the summit of La Liga by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden league goal and key pass of the season after a tough few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his first derby on the sidelines worked like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.

Unhappy at his substitution, the star forward ranted while walking right by his manager and headed off the pitch, before coming back to the bench later.

Tactical Setup Delivers Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's recent managers lost their initial league encounter against Barca.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The new system appears to be positive for Jude, as he last season was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, With the French midfielder in the middle, this provides greater energy and additional options to close down the spaces.”

This led to the team to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball with room, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.

But multiple countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger has one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half suggested tension. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

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

“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself near the best player, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

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

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing without them.

The analyst stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars were below par. Yamal appears in top condition, maybe due to injury issues