Real Madrid Commanding however Vinicius Issues Intensify – Key Spanish Derby Highlights

It was nearly a flawless day for the Madrid side, who defeated Barca 2-1 in the famous derby and increase their lead in first place of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham scored his maiden league goal and assist this term following a tough spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly form in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward protested as he walked straight past the coach before marched off the pitch, then reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Yields Results from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Real's recent coaches were defeated in their debut league meeting against their rivals.

After the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The new system appears to be good news for Bellingham, who last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, however he could to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst continued, “By using Camavinga in the middle, you get more dynamism and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple numerous stories lately that Real Madrid might think about selling him if the right offer arrived.

The winger will have a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

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

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself near the top star, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he's felt that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and him at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of last season's derbies, the latest display represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without the manager of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.

The expert said, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the first goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue

John Price
John Price

Wildlife biologist and photographer specializing in sloth behavior and rainforest ecosystems, with over a decade of field research experience.