🔗 Share this article

It was practically a perfect outing for Real Madrid, as they defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 during El Clasico to extend their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his first goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a challenging spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.

However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the star forward complained as he walked right by the coach before stormed off the pitch, then coming back to the substitute area later.

Manager's Approach Gets Success for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's previous eight coaches lost their initial league meeting against Barca.

After the laissez-faire style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach seems good news for Jude, as he last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get more dynamism and more ways to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to track the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been countless reports lately that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal were to come in.

The winger has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

His response when substituted in the second half indicated strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you consider yourself near the top star, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and Vinicius now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning all four of last season's derbies, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.

Balague commented, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster seems not he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues