🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost an ideal day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico to increase their advantage at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his maiden league goal and key pass this campaign following a challenging spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward continued his lethal performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked right by his manager before marched to the dressing room, before reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Success for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's recent coaches lost their initial league match against Barcelona.

Following the relaxed method from the previous coach failed to get results last season, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, and Barcelona were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

This approach looks to be positive for Jude, as he previously was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and additional duties.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.”

As a result the team to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his name rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet multiple countless reports over the past period that the club could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

He will have one year remaining under his current terms when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

His response when substituted late in the game indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you believe close to being the top star, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's derbies, the latest display represented Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

Balague said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. Lamine seems not he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues