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This proved to be practically a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and extend the gap in first place in La Liga by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league and assist of the season following a difficult period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first derby in the dugout proved like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, Vinicius complained on his way right by the coach and stormed down the tunnel, before reappearing on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Results from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's recent coaches were defeated in their initial league encounter with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems positive for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst stated, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, you get increased movement and more ways to block the spaces.”

This led to them to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

Yet multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos would consider selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

The winger has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you feel near the best player, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's matches, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

Balague said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster seems not he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue