🔗 Share this article

The match represented almost an ideal day for Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one during El Clasico to increase the gap at the top of the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder got his first domestic strike along with assist this campaign following a challenging period healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his lethal touch in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby on the sidelines proved like a charm.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again once more.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the star forward protested on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the substitute area after a short while.

Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's recent managers lost their initial La Liga meeting against Barca.

After the laissez-faire style from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, and the visitors were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, all players including the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for Bellingham, who last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he was allowed to drift inward and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague added, With Camavinga in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius will have a year left on his deal when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

Balague commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of the top star, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that the club has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros for him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of recent derbies, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing when they are missing.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

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

“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue