🔗 Share this article

It was almost a perfect day from Real Madrid, as they beat Barca two goals to one during El Clasico to extend their advantage in first place of the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league along with setup this term after a difficult few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly touch when scoring, and the coach's game plan during his debut derby on the sidelines worked brilliantly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward complained as he walked right by Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then returning on the sidelines later.

Tactical Setup Yields Success for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's recent bosses lost their first league match against Barcelona.

Following the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, his structured approach delivered its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, and Barcelona were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.”

This approach seems positive for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The analyst stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get greater energy and more ways to close down the channels.”

“That forced the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he found him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos might think about selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel near number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and the player now.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.

Balague commented, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. The youngster appears he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue