🔗 Share this article

It was nearly a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one during the Clasico to increase the gap at the top in the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder notched his first goal in the league along with key pass this campaign after a tough period recovering from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly touch in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico as coach worked perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Dissatisfied with coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked directly past his manager before marched off the pitch, before returning to the bench after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their initial league encounter with their rivals.

After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who last season was expected to do everything in the center and more.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and more ways to block the spaces.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces creating the opponent's play tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple numerous stories lately that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

Vinicius has one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

His response to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you believe near number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of recent matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing in their absence.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names were below par. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems