🔗 Share this article

This proved to be almost a perfect outing from Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 during El Clasico and stretch their lead in first place in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league and assist this term following a difficult period recovering from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his clinical performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout proved brilliantly.

However the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward complained on his way directly past his manager and marched down the tunnel, before returning to the substitute area later.

Manager's Approach Gets Results from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced an important victory.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, and the visitors didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach seems positive for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to do everything in midfield and more.

In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to come inside and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, it brings more dynamism and more ways to block the spaces.”

This led to them to deploy Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that supporters adore Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

But recently there were countless reports lately that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius has a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game spoke of issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

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

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself near the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge among the parties and him now.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of previous campaign's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working without them.

The analyst stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

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

Key players were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of groin problems