🔗 Share this article

This proved to be nearly a perfect performance for Real Madrid, who defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to increase their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his inaugural goal in the league and setup this term following a difficult period coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward maintained his deadly form when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Dissatisfied with coming off, Vinicius protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before headed down the tunnel, then coming back to the bench later.

Manager's Approach Yields Success for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's recent coaches were defeated in their initial league match against their rivals.

Following the player-focused method under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.

A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, while Barca didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change looks to be positive for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

On paper the young star started wide right, however he could to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert continued, With the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and more ways to block the channels.”

This led to the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However there have been numerous stories lately that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer arrived.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the last season's matches, this outing highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

Balague stated, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems