🔗 Share this article

This proved to be nearly a flawless outing for Real Madrid, who overcame Barca 2-1 during the Clasico and extend their lead at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham got his first domestic strike along with key pass this term following a tough period healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe continued his clinical performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.

However the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward protested as he walked right by the coach and headed down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's previous eight managers lost their first La Liga meeting with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach produced its first major result.

A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

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

The new system seems good news for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and more ways to close down the spaces.”

This led to the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to track the forward's positioning in possession and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal was made.

He will have a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

Balague noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself close to being the top star, but the team drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and him currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue