🔗 Share this article

It was nearly an ideal outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barcelona 2-1 during the famous derby to extend the gap in first place of La Liga by five points.

Bellingham got his maiden league goal and setup this campaign after a tough few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his lethal touch in attack, and Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico as coach functioned brilliantly.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again once more.

Dissatisfied at coming off, Vinicius ranted as he walked straight past the coach and marched to the dressing room, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Alonso System Delivers Results for Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's last eight managers lost their initial La Liga meeting with Barcelona.

After the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while the visitors were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to put Jude on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However recently there were countless reports in recent months that the club might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

He will have a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you feel close to being the best player, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and him currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach isn't working without them.

The expert said, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

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