🔗 Share this article

The match represented nearly a flawless performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to extend their advantage at the top of the Spanish league to five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal along with assist this campaign after a tough few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal touch in front of goal, and the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Dissatisfied at coming off, Vinicius complained on his way directly past his manager and headed to the dressing room, before returning on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga match with Barca.

After the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, his structured approach produced its first major result.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.”

This approach looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he last season had been tasked to do everything in midfield and more.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst added, With the French midfielder in the center, you get greater energy and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

He was told to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been various accounts lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

He has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced with 20 minutes left suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself near number one in the world, but the team drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning all four of previous campaign's derbies, this outing highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing when they are missing.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues