This proved to be almost a flawless performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to stretch the gap at the top of La Liga to five points.
Jude Bellingham got his inaugural domestic strike along with key pass this campaign after a difficult period recovering from shoulder surgery.
Mbappe continued his deadly form in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.
However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.
Dissatisfied at his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained while walking straight past his manager before headed off the pitch, then reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.
In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's recent coaches lost their first league encounter against Barca.
After the player-focused approach from the previous coach fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced its first major result.
An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players including the forward.”
“They defended with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The tactical change seems positive for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.
Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.
The expert stated, With the French midfielder in the center, it brings more dynamism and better ability to shut down the spaces.”
“That forced them to put Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”
“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life tough.”
There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.
However there have been various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid might think about selling him if an attractive proposal was made.
The winger will have a year left on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.
His response to being replaced late in the game indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.
The analyst noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”
“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”
This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”
“This season he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and sell him.”
He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he says why always me?.”
It may be challenging to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”
After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.
Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.
Balague said, The squad seems are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”
Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”
Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.
The big names did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues
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