🔗 Share this article

This proved to be nearly a flawless outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby and stretch the gap at the summit of La Liga to five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his first goal in the league and assist this campaign after a challenging few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly form in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way straight past Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's previous eight managers lost their debut La Liga meeting against their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for Jude, as he last season was expected to do everything in midfield and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings greater energy and better ability to close down the spaces.”

This led to them to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant was chanted repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple numerous stories over the past period that Real Madrid would consider selling him if the right offer were to come in.

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

Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested strained relations. When the match ended, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you believe near the best player, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he believes that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the previous campaign's matches, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.

The analyst stated, The squad seems are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems