🔗 Share this article

It was almost a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona 2-1 in the famous derby and stretch their advantage at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his maiden league goal and setup of the season following a difficult period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe showed his clinical performance in attack, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again yet again.

Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward protested on his way straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area later.

Manager's Approach Gets Results from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Real's recent coaches lost their debut league match with Barca.

After the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, while Barcelona didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, With the French midfielder in the middle, you get greater energy and more ways to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to track Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barca's task challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

Yet recently there were countless reports lately that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.

The winger will have one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half indicated issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without the manager of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

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

Key players were below par. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems