🔗 Share this article

The match represented almost a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona 2-1 during the famous derby and extend their lead at the top in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league along with assist of the season after a challenging few months healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal form when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward ranted as he walked right by Xabi Alonso before stormed off the pitch, then coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results for Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's last eight bosses were defeated in their initial league match with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver last season, his structured approach delivered its first major result.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and Barca were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated with discipline, all players even the forward.”

“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be positive for Bellingham, as he last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the center and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert added, With the French midfielder in the center, you get more dynamism and better ability to block the channels.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, his name was chanted on several occasions by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

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

During this campaign he has perceived that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Following victories in each of the previous campaign's matches, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as well as they should.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Lamine seems not in top condition, maybe due to injury issues