🔗 Share this article

This proved to be nearly a perfect day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 during El Clasico to extend their advantage at the summit in La Liga by five points.

The English midfielder scored his first goal in the league along with key pass this campaign following a tough spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.

Unhappy at coming off, the Brazilian winger protested while walking right by the coach before headed off the pitch, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting against Barcelona.

After the player-focused method from the previous coach fell short earlier, his structured approach produced its first major result.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of a short distance. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems positive for Jude, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague added, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to block the spaces.”

As a result the team to put Jude wide right. I'm sure his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However multiple countless reports over the past period that the club might think about selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius will have a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

The analyst commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself near the best player, but the team redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

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

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's derbies, the latest display highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. Lamine appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue