🔗 Share this article

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

Bellingham notched his first goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a difficult few months healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal performance in attack, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby on the sidelines proved perfectly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward complained while walking straight past the coach and marched off the pitch, before returning on the sidelines later.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's last eight coaches lost their initial league encounter with Barcelona.

Following the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, the new tactical system yielded a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems positive for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to do everything in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, With the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and better ability to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

However multiple various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain selling him if the right offer was made.

He has one season to go on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself near the best player, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he believes that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

Balague said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster seems not he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues