🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost a perfect day for Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to extend their advantage in first place of La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder got his maiden goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a difficult period healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward maintained his clinical performance in attack, while the coach's game plan during his debut derby as coach proved perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.

Unhappy with his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and headed off the pitch, before coming back to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Success from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their first La Liga encounter with Barca.

After the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced its first major result.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

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

“They defended in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

The new system looks to be positive for the midfielder, who in the past had been tasked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, you get more dynamism and better ability to shut down the channels.”

This led to them to put Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

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

Yet there have been various accounts in recent months that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.

He will have one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself close to being the best player, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning each of the recent derbies, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Absences have left without the manager of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

The expert said, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

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

Key players were below par. Yamal seems not he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues