🔗 Share this article

The match represented nearly a perfect day from the Madrid side, who overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 during the Clasico and stretch their lead in first place of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his inaugural goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a tough spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first Clasico on the sidelines functioned brilliantly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated at being substituted, Vinicius protested while walking directly past the coach and marched off the pitch, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Delivers Results for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their debut league encounter against their rivals.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for the midfielder, who last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the center and more.

Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he was allowed to come inside and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The analyst added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings greater energy and additional options to close down the spaces.”

“That forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”

He was told to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

But recently there were various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.

He has a year left on his contract come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, especially when you feel close to being number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and him now.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

Following victories in each of the last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have deprived the manager of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

The analyst said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue