🔗 Share this article

This proved to be nearly a flawless day from the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona two goals to one during the Clasico and stretch their advantage at the top in the Spanish league by five points.

The English midfielder got his inaugural domestic strike along with assist of the season following a tough few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe continued his clinical form in attack, while Alonso's tactics during his debut Clasico as coach functioned like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.

Frustrated with coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, then coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Success for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their first league meeting against Barca.

Following the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

“They defended in two lines with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach seems good news for the midfielder, who previously was expected to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and additional options to block the channels.”

This led to them to put Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to track Mbappe's movements in possession with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his name were sung multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if the right offer was made.

He will have one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced with 20 minutes left suggested tension. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

Balague commented, He will face backlash for good reason, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

After winning all four of recent derbies, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Fitness issues have deprived the manager of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and his system isn't working without them.

The expert commented, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal appears he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems