🔗 Share this article

It was practically a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to increase their advantage in first place of La Liga to five points.

Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his deadly touch in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby as coach functioned brilliantly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.

Unhappy at his substitution, Vinicius protested as he walked straight past his manager before headed to the dressing room, before returning on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial league encounter against their rivals.

After the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst noted, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems positive for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he could to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The analyst continued, With Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and better ability to close down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet recently there were countless reports lately that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius will have a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

His response to being replaced late in the game spoke of tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.

The analyst commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you believe close to being number one in the world, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he believes that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

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

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems