It was nearly a perfect performance from the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby to extend the gap at the summit in La Liga to five points.
Jude Bellingham got his first goal in the league along with key pass of the season after a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.
The French forward continued his clinical touch when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his first derby as coach proved brilliantly.
But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.
Dissatisfied at his substitution, the star forward protested on his way directly past his manager before stormed off the pitch, then returning to the bench several minutes.
Alonso System Gets Results from Jude Bellingham
For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Real's recent coaches lost their initial league encounter against Barca.
After the laissez-faire style from the previous coach fell short last season, his structured approach produced its first major result.
A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, while Barca didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, all players including the forward.”
“They defended with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”
The tactical change appears to be good news for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and beyond.
Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and support Mbappe or enter the box.
The analyst continued, With the French midfielder in central midfield, you get greater energy and more ways to close down the passing lanes.”
As a result them to put Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and cause Barca's task tough.”
Strained Relations Laid Bare
It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, his name was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
But there have been numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave if the right offer arrived.
The winger has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested tension. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.
Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself near the best player, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”
During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”
He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – fairly, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius currently.”
Barcelona Style “Crumbles”
Following victories in all four of recent matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.
Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to get the possession back.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”
Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.
The big names did not perform well. The youngster appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems
