🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca two goals to one in El Clasico and stretch their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his inaugural domestic strike along with assist of the season after a difficult period healing from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward showed his deadly form in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Frustrated with coming off, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed down the tunnel, before coming back to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Results for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Real's previous eight bosses lost their debut La Liga encounter with their rivals.

After the player-focused method from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, and Barca were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The analyst added, With Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to put Jude wide right. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

He was told to get into the box and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his name were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However recently there were numerous stories lately that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius has a year left on his deal when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself near the best player, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for him and sell him.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and Vinicius now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players did not perform well. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems