🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically a flawless day for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca two goals to one during the Clasico to stretch their lead in first place of La Liga by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his maiden league goal along with assist this term after a difficult spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his clinical performance in attack, and the coach's game plan in his first derby on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way right by Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, before returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Gets Results from the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's recent coaches lost their debut league match against Barca.

Following the player-focused approach under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, while Barca didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by a short distance. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be good news for Jude, as he in the past was expected to do everything in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst continued, Employing the French midfielder in the center, it brings greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However there have been countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

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

His response when substituted late in the game spoke of issues. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you believe close to being number one in the world, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

After winning each of the last season's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing without them.

Balague said, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues