🔗 Share this article

It was practically an ideal performance from the Madrid side, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one in El Clasico to extend their lead at the top in La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder scored his first goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his deadly touch in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Frustrated with being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past the coach before headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the bench after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's previous eight bosses lost their first league match with their rivals.

After the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while the visitors were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who last season was expected to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he could to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the channels.”

This led to them to position Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his chant were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However there have been various accounts lately that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.

The winger will have a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response after coming off late in the game suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you believe close to being the top star, but the team redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he questions why always me?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations between the club and him currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective in their absence.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, like on the first goal since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped by teammates not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue