🔗 Share this article

This proved to be practically a perfect day for the Madrid side, who beat Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico and extend their advantage at the top in the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder notched his inaugural domestic strike and key pass of the season after a difficult few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward continued his clinical form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward complained on his way right by Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, before coming back to the bench later.

Tactical Setup Delivers Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's last eight managers lost their debut La Liga meeting with Barcelona.

Following the relaxed style under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, and Barca didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

This approach looks to be good news for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The expert continued, Employing the French midfielder in the center, it brings more dynamism and additional options to close down the spaces.”

As a result them to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating the opponent's play very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

Yet multiple various accounts lately that the club could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius will have one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you feel near the best player, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the organization is not defending him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to mend relations between the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of recent derbies, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky early form.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

Balague said, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue