🔗 Share this article

This proved to be practically a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barca two goals to one during the famous derby and increase their advantage at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and setup of the season after a difficult few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his lethal touch when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico in the dugout worked like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward protested on his way directly past the coach before stormed off the pitch, then reappearing on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's recent managers were defeated in their debut La Liga match against Barca.

After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, all players including the forward.”

“They defended in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach looks to be positive for Bellingham, who in the past had been tasked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The analyst continued, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and additional options to close down the channels.”

As a result them to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”

He was told to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet there have been various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

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

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game indicated tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you feel close to being number one in the world, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning each of the recent derbies, this outing represented their uncertain early form.

Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems