🔗 Share this article

This proved to be practically an ideal outing for Real Madrid, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico to extend the gap in first place of the Spanish league to five points.

Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league along with setup of the season following a difficult period healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his deadly performance in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico as coach functioned brilliantly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked right by the coach and stormed off the pitch, then coming back to the substitute area later.

Alonso System Yields Success from Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their first league encounter with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, “By using Camavinga in the middle, this provides more dynamism and additional options to close down the channels.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.

Yet there have been various accounts over the past period that the club would consider allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius has a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The analyst noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you believe on the verge of the top star, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and Vinicius now.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

Balague commented, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue