🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barca two goals to one during the famous derby and increase their lead at the summit of the Spanish league to five points.

Bellingham got his first league goal and setup of the season following a tough spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical form in attack, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger complained while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before marched down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Success for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial league encounter with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused style from the previous coach fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by a short distance. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach seems positive for the midfielder, who last season had been tasked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

He was told to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him rang out repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet recently there were various accounts lately that the club could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response when substituted in the second half spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you believe close to being the best player, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and him currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have deprived the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach isn't working in their absence.

The analyst stated, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not organized, which was the case the first goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.

“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems