🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically an ideal outing from Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby to extend their advantage in first place in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural domestic strike along with setup this campaign after a difficult spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe continued his clinical performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked right by his manager and headed down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.

Tactical Setup Yields Results from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Madrid's recent managers lost their first La Liga match against Barca.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.

An expert noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”

“They defended in two layers separated by a short distance. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.

In the lineup the young star started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, you get more dynamism and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

Yet there have been countless reports in recent months that the club could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius will have one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The analyst commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you feel on the verge of the top star, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and Vinicius now.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

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

Absences have left without the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.

The big names were below par. Yamal appears he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems