It was practically a perfect performance from Real Madrid, who overcame Barca two goals to one during the Clasico and increase their lead at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.
Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league along with assist of the season after a difficult period healing from a shoulder operation.
The French forward continued his deadly touch in attack, and the coach's game plan in his first derby as coach worked like a charm.
But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.
Frustrated at being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso before marched down the tunnel, then returning on the sidelines later.
For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with their rivals.
After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered its first major result.
An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, and Barca struggled because of the home team's approach.”
When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”
Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”
The new system looks to be positive for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to do everything in the center and beyond.
Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.
Balague stated, Employing Camavinga in the center, you get increased movement and better ability to shut down the channels.”
“That forced the team to deploy Jude wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, and he found him on several occasions.”
His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life tough.”
There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.
Yet multiple countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.
Vinicius will have a year left on his contract come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.
The player's reaction after coming off in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.
The analyst noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”
“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”
“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you feel near the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”
“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for him and let him go.”
“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he says why always me?.”
Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and him now.”
Following victories in each of the last season's derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.
Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.
The analyst stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”
Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball adequately.”
Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.
The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue