This proved to be almost a flawless day from Real Madrid, who defeated Barca two goals to one in the Clasico and extend their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league to five points.
The English midfielder scored his maiden domestic strike and setup of the season following a tough period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.
Mbappe continued his deadly performance in attack, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.
Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.
Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward complained as he walked right by his manager and headed off the pitch, before reappearing to the bench later.
As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's last eight managers lost their initial league meeting against Barcelona.
Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach produced its first major result.
A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while Barca struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”
When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”
“They defended in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”
The tactical change appears to be good news for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.
In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
The analyst added, With the French midfielder in the center, you get greater energy and more ways to block the channels.”
This led to them to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”
“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barca's task challenging.”
It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his chant was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
However recently there were various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about selling him should a suitable bid was made.
The winger will have one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.
The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.
Balague commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”
Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”
Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you believe on the verge of the top star, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”
Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”
“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he questions why always me?.”
“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”
Following victories in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain early form.
Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.
Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”
They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”
The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.
Key players did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, possibly because of injury issues
