🔗 Share this article

It was nearly a flawless outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby and increase their advantage at the top in the Spanish league by five points.

Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal along with setup this term following a tough few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

The French forward maintained his clinical touch in attack, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico as coach proved perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.

Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Success for Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their first La Liga match with Barca.

After the player-focused approach from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barca struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be good news for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, you get increased movement and additional options to close down the spaces.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, and he found him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play tough.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However there have been various accounts lately that Real Madrid could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

He has a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”

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

Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself close to being the best player, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the club is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and him at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of recent matches, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain early form.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

The expert commented, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players weren't at their best. The youngster seems not he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue