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It was nearly a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and extend their advantage at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his maiden domestic strike and assist of the season after a tough few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical performance in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first derby in the dugout functioned perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained while walking right by the coach before headed off the pitch, then coming back to the bench after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Success for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their debut league meeting against Barca.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, and the visitors were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be positive for the midfielder, as he previously was expected to carry the midfield in the center and more.

Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, Employing Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and additional options to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

Undoubtedly that supporters adore Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

The winger will have a year left on his contract come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game spoke of tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you believe near the top star, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he questions why always me?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and his system is failing when they are missing.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names were below par. Lamine appears he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems