🔗 Share this article

This proved to be practically a flawless day from the Madrid side, who beat their arch-rivals 2-1 during the famous derby and increase their lead at the top in La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder scored his first domestic strike and key pass of the season after a tough few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated at his substitution, Vinicius protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, before returning on the sidelines later.

Tactical Setup Gets Success for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's previous eight bosses lost their debut La Liga encounter against Barca.

Following the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, and Barca were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for Jude, who last season had been tasked to do everything in the center and beyond.

In the lineup the young star started wide right, but actually he could to come inside and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, With the French midfielder in the middle, this provides more dynamism and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his name rang out repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.

Yet there have been countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if the right offer arrived.

The winger has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half suggested strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated 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.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you feel close to being number one in the world, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

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

Their System “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing represented their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system isn't working without them.

Balague commented, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine seems not he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems