🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost an ideal day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and stretch their lead at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.

The English midfielder scored his maiden goal in the league and setup this campaign after a challenging few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe showed his lethal performance in attack, and the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.

However the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied with coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking directly past his manager and headed off the pitch, before returning to the bench later.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their debut league match against Barcelona.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach failed to get results last season, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach looks to be positive for Jude, as he in the past was expected to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The expert added, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, this provides greater energy and more ways to close down the spaces.”

This led to them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple numerous stories lately that the club might think about letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius will have a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction after coming off late in the game suggested strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

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

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being the top star, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as he should – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

The young talent, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues