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This proved to be almost a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to extend their lead at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham notched his first domestic strike along with assist of the season after a tough period healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his lethal performance in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Frustrated at coming off, Vinicius complained while walking right by his manager and marched down the tunnel, then reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Yields Results for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight coaches lost their initial La Liga meeting against Barca.

Following the relaxed style from the previous coach fell short last season, his structured approach produced its first major result.

An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona struggled due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he in the past was expected to do everything in midfield and more.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, With Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to block the channels.”

This led to the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant were sung multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

However there have been countless reports in recent months that the club could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius will have a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you feel close to being the best player, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he believes that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's derbies, this outing represented their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

The expert stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

Key players did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to injury issues