🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically a flawless outing from the Madrid side, as they defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico and extend the gap at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his maiden domestic strike along with assist of the season following a challenging period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly performance in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout worked like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the star forward complained while walking right by Xabi Alonso and marched to the dressing room, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's recent managers were defeated in their debut league meeting with Barca.

After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, and the visitors struggled because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

“They defended in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, but actually he could to come inside and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

He was told to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make the opponent's play very difficult.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

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

But multiple various accounts lately that the club could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

The winger will have one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, particularly since you believe on the verge of the top star, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius now.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of last season's Clasicos, the latest display represented their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues