🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically a perfect outing for Real Madrid, who defeated Barca 2-1 in El Clasico to stretch their lead at the summit of the Spanish league to five points.

Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and assist this campaign after a challenging period coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his clinical touch when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed to the dressing room, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Results from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their first league match with their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire method from the previous coach failed to get results last season, his structured approach produced its first major result.

A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. The home side performed excellently, and the visitors were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system seems good news for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides greater energy and more ways to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet there have been countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius will have a year left on his deal come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you feel close to being the top star, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The expert stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players were below par. The youngster seems not he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue