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This proved to be nearly a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and extend the gap at the top in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham notched his maiden league goal and key pass this campaign after a tough period recovering from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby as coach proved brilliantly.

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

Dissatisfied at being substituted, Vinicius complained on his way directly past Xabi Alonso before stormed off the pitch, before coming back to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's recent managers lost their initial La Liga match with Barcelona.

Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the young star started wide right, but actually he could to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, you get greater energy and more ways to shut down the channels.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.

But recently there were numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid was made.

He has a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response when substituted late in the game indicated tension. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The expert commented, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues