🔗 Share this article

The match represented almost a flawless performance for the Madrid side, who defeated Barca two goals to one during the Clasico and increase the gap in first place in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham scored his maiden league goal and assist this campaign following a challenging few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his clinical touch when scoring, while the coach's game plan during his debut derby on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way straight past the coach before stormed down the tunnel, before coming back to the bench later.

Alonso System Gets Success from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's last eight bosses lost their first La Liga meeting with their rivals.

After the relaxed method under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors struggled because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The new system seems positive for Bellingham, who last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

In the lineup the young star played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague added, With Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, you get greater energy and additional options to block the channels.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

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

This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself near the top star, but the team redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, this outing represented their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of key players including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues