🔗 Share this article

The match represented almost an ideal day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat their arch-rivals two goals to one in El Clasico to stretch the gap at the summit of the domestic championship to five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his first league goal along with setup this term after a tough spell healing from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in attack, while the coach's game plan in his first Clasico as coach worked perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way directly past Xabi Alonso before headed to the dressing room, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Alonso System Delivers Success for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their initial league match against their rivals.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, and Barca struggled because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

“They defended with two banks separated by a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system seems good news for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to do everything in the center and beyond.

On paper the young star started wide right, but actually he could to move centrally and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, Employing Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.

He has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you feel near the top star, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. Yamal appears he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues