🔗 Share this article

The match represented almost a flawless outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca 2-1 during the famous derby to extend their lead in first place of La Liga to five points.

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

Mbappe maintained his lethal touch in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby as coach proved like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger protested on his way straight past his manager and headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Success for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight bosses lost their first La Liga meeting against Barcelona.

After the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and Barcelona struggled because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The new system seems positive for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and more ways to block the channels.”

This led to the team to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.

But recently there were countless reports over the past period that the club could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, notably when you feel near the top star, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he questions why always me?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Injuries have robbed the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the approach isn't working in their absence.

The expert said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the first goal as Balde played him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues