🔗 Share this article

It was almost a flawless performance from Real Madrid, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the famous derby to increase the gap in first place in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his first league goal and assist this campaign following a difficult spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward showed his deadly touch in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked straight past the coach and marched to the dressing room, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their debut La Liga encounter against Barcelona.

Following the relaxed style from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

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

Balague stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings greater energy and additional options to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However there have been various accounts over the past period that the club might think about allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.

The winger will have one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

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

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself close to being the top star, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the recent Clasicos, this outing represented their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.

The analyst commented, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, the main threat earlier, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue