🔗 Share this article

It was almost an ideal outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend their advantage in first place of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his first domestic strike and assist this term after a difficult spell coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked brilliantly.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.

Unhappy with his substitution, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga encounter with Barca.

After the relaxed style from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.

An expert noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barca didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for Jude, who previously had been tasked to do everything in the center and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him on several occasions.”

He was told to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces creating the opponent's play tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

But there have been numerous stories lately that Los Blancos would consider selling him should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response after coming off late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the recent matches, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

Balague commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues