🔗 Share this article

It was nearly a flawless day from the Madrid side, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby and extend their lead at the top in La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder got his first league goal along with assist of the season after a difficult period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward continued his lethal form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first Clasico as coach proved perfectly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.

Frustrated with being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained while walking straight past his manager and headed to the dressing room, before returning to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their first La Liga encounter against Barcelona.

Following the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona struggled because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even the forward.”

“They defended with two banks separated by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for Jude, who previously was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and more.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst stated, Employing Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly his role included to track the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”

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 and make Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant were sung repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple countless reports in recent months that the club might think about selling him if the right offer arrived.

Vinicius has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response when substituted late in the game suggested strained relations. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you believe close to being number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

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

This affects him, and after he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have robbed the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

The analyst stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

The big names weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems