🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically an ideal performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barcelona 2-1 during the famous derby to extend the gap at the summit in the Spanish league by five points.

Bellingham got his inaugural domestic strike along with setup of the season following a tough period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly touch when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby as coach proved like a charm.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again yet again.

Unhappy at coming off, Vinicius ranted as he walked right by the coach before marched off the pitch, before coming back to the bench later.

Tactical Setup Gets Success from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their debut league encounter against Barca.

After the player-focused style from the previous coach did not deliver last season, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

In the lineup the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague stated, With Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and additional options to block the channels.”

As a result the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make Barca's task challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius will have a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”

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

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you consider yourself near the top star, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the club is not defending him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the recent derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing in their absence.

Balague said, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue