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The match represented nearly a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 during El Clasico to stretch the gap at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his first league goal along with key pass this term following a challenging period healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe showed his lethal touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico as coach worked perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked right by his manager before headed down the tunnel, before coming back to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Yields Results from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's recent coaches lost their debut league encounter against Barca.

Following the relaxed method from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, and Barcelona didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.”

This approach seems positive for the midfielder, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he could to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings greater energy and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barca's task tough.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

However multiple various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos would consider selling him if the right offer arrived.

Vinicius will have one year remaining under his current terms when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you believe on the verge of number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's derbies, this outing represented Barca's shaky early form.

Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and his system isn't working without them.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was neutralized.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems