🔗 Share this article

It was almost a flawless performance from Real Madrid, who defeated Barca two goals to one during the Clasico and increase the gap at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham got his inaugural domestic strike and key pass this term after a difficult few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward continued his lethal form when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.

Frustrated at being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way directly past the coach and headed off the pitch, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Gets Success for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Madrid's last eight managers lost their initial La Liga encounter against Barcelona.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst continued, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and better ability to shut down the channels.”

This led to the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

But multiple numerous stories lately that the club could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

He has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and him now.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing represented their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working without them.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

The big names were below par. The youngster seems not he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems