🔗 Share this article

The match represented nearly a flawless performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby to stretch the gap at the summit in La Liga by five points.

The English midfielder got his inaugural league goal and key pass this campaign after a difficult spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal form in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his first derby on the sidelines worked like a charm.

Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.

Unhappy with being substituted, Vinicius ranted as he walked straight past the coach and stormed to the dressing room, then coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their initial league match with Barca.

Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks with a gap of five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change appears to be positive for the midfielder, as he in the past was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and better ability to block the channels.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barca's task tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

Yet multiple numerous stories lately that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer arrived.

The winger has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

His response to being replaced late in the game indicated tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he says why always me?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's matches, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.

The expert said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. When the backline is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.

The big names were below par. Yamal seems not he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems