🔗 Share this article

It was practically a perfect day from Real Madrid, as they beat their arch-rivals two goals to one during El Clasico to increase their lead at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden league goal and assist this campaign following a challenging period healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his deadly form in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby on the sidelines proved like a charm.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again once more.

Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked straight past the coach and marched down the tunnel, before coming back to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Yields Success for the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's last eight managers lost their initial league encounter against Barca.

After the relaxed method from the previous coach fell short last season, his structured approach produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, however he could to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The analyst stated, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, you get greater energy and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid were to come in.

He will have one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

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

The expert said, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you feel close to being the best player, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have left without the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

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

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue