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This proved to be practically a flawless performance for Real Madrid, who beat Barca 2-1 during the famous derby to stretch their lead in first place of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his inaugural league goal along with assist this term after a challenging period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his clinical form in attack, and the manager's strategy in his first derby on the sidelines worked like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by his manager before marched down the tunnel, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Success from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial La Liga encounter with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused approach under Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems positive for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and beyond.

Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, With the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings increased movement and more ways to close down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his name rang out on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

However recently there were various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

The winger has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested tension. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, especially when you feel on the verge of the top star, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The analyst commented, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.

The big names did not perform well. Yamal appears he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues