🔗 Share this article

The match represented almost a flawless performance for Real Madrid, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby and extend the gap in first place of the Spanish league by five points.

Bellingham scored his inaugural league goal along with assist this term after a tough period healing from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his deadly performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward protested as he walked straight past his manager before marched off the pitch, before coming back to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Results from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's recent bosses lost their debut league match against their rivals.

Following the relaxed method from the previous coach did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.

Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, and the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he last season was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.

Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and link with Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague added, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barca's task challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his chant rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However recently there were numerous stories lately that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius has one year remaining under his current terms when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you feel close to being the best player, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing in their absence.

The expert said, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems