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It was nearly a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to extend the gap at the top in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his first goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a challenging few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal performance when scoring, while the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Dissatisfied with coming off, the star forward ranted as he walked directly past his manager and headed down the tunnel, then returning on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Results from Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their first La Liga encounter with Barca.

Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, and Barcelona struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, all players even the forward.”

“They defended in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

On paper the young star played on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides more dynamism and additional options to shut down the channels.”

This led to them to deploy Bellingham wide right. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, and he located him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make the opponent's play tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

Yet multiple countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.

He has one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game indicated tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.

The analyst commented, 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.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue