🔗 Share this article

It was practically a flawless day for Real Madrid, who defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico and stretch the gap at the top in La Liga by five points.

The English midfielder notched his maiden domestic strike and key pass this term following a difficult few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his clinical form when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy with being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked straight past his manager before marched down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Madrid's recent coaches lost their debut La Liga meeting against Barcelona.

Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while Barcelona were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in the center and more.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, With Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to put Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his name rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However multiple various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

Vinicius will have a year left on his deal come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

His response to being replaced in the second half indicated tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself near the top star, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

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

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and him currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Lamine appears he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues