This proved to be practically an ideal day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico and stretch their lead at the summit of the Spanish league by five points.
Bellingham got his inaugural domestic strike along with key pass this term following a difficult period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.
Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal form when scoring, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.
Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.
Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward ranted as he walked right by Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, before reappearing on the sidelines later.
In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight bosses lost their initial league encounter against Barca.
Following the laissez-faire style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.
An expert commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were impressive, while the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”
Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”
The new system seems beneficial for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.
Theoretically the young star played on the right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and support Mbappe or enter the box.
The expert continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings more dynamism and additional options to block the passing lanes.”
“That forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”
He was told to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”
It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.
Yet recently there were countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.
Vinicius will have a year left on his deal come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.
His response after coming off late in the game spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.
The analyst noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that the world is hostile.”
“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you believe on the verge of the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”
“This season he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for him and let him go.”
This affects him, so when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”
“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”
Following victories in all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.
Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is failing without them.
The expert commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”
“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”
Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was kept largely in check.
Key players were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems
