🔗 Share this article

It was practically a perfect day for Real Madrid, as they beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to increase their lead in first place in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league along with assist of the season after a tough spell recovering from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal performance in attack, while the coach's game plan in his first derby on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Frustrated with coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking straight past the coach before stormed down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Results for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Real's previous eight managers lost their initial La Liga match against Barca.

After the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were impressive, while the visitors were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he last season had been tasked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, however he was allowed to drift inward and either assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague continued, Employing Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and more ways to block the channels.”

“That forced them to put Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

Vinicius has one season to go on his deal come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe near the top star, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and sell him.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning all four of recent matches, the latest display highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

Balague said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

Key players weren't at their best. Yamal seems not he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues