🔗 Share this article

The match represented nearly a flawless day from Real Madrid, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico to stretch the gap in first place in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham scored his maiden domestic strike and assist of the season after a challenging period healing from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe continued his deadly touch in attack, and the manager's strategy in his first derby on the sidelines proved like a charm.

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

Unhappy at his substitution, Vinicius protested on his way directly past his manager before stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their first league encounter against their rivals.

Following the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system seems good news for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, however he could to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get increased movement and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe in possession and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant were sung multiple times by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple various accounts lately that the club would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.

Vinicius has a year left under his current terms when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half suggested strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you feel near number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he believes that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and him currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues