🔗 Share this article

It was almost a flawless performance from Real Madrid, who beat Barca 2-1 in the famous derby and stretch the gap at the summit of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his maiden league goal along with setup this campaign following a tough spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his lethal form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby as coach worked like a charm.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again once more.

Dissatisfied with coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way directly past Xabi Alonso and marched down the tunnel, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.

Alonso System Gets Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Real's last eight managers lost their initial La Liga meeting against Barca.

Following the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, while Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, all players even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be positive for Bellingham, who previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.

In the lineup the young star started wide right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst added, Employing Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and additional options to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he located him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been countless reports over the past period that the club would consider selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response to being replaced late in the game indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”

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

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the club is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue