🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost an ideal performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico and extend their lead at the summit in the domestic championship to five points.

Bellingham scored his first league goal and key pass this term following a challenging few months healing from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical form in attack, and the manager's strategy in his first Clasico on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

But then the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.

Frustrated with being substituted, Vinicius ranted as he walked directly past the coach and stormed down the tunnel, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Gets Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's recent bosses lost their debut La Liga encounter against Barca.

Following the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, and Barcelona were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

This approach seems beneficial for the midfielder, who in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague continued, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and more ways to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to track Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.

However multiple countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

He will have one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you feel near the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and the player currently.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective without them.

Balague commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is flawed, like on the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems