🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically a flawless performance for Real Madrid, as they beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby and increase the gap in first place of La Liga to five points.

Bellingham got his first goal in the league along with setup of the season after a difficult few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal form in attack, and the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso and headed off the pitch, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Results for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their initial La Liga match with their rivals.

Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded its first major result.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, and Barcelona were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for Jude, as he previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and more.

Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

However there have been various accounts lately that the club could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal were to come in.

The winger will have one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and him now.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

Following victories in each of the last season's derbies, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging those on the ball adequately.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues