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This proved to be practically an ideal day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one in El Clasico to extend their advantage at the summit of the domestic championship to five points.

Jude Bellingham got his first domestic strike along with setup of the season following a difficult period coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward maintained his deadly form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico as coach functioned brilliantly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Unhappy with coming off, Vinicius complained while walking directly past his manager and marched down the tunnel, then coming back to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Results for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight bosses lost their first league match against their rivals.

After the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, and Barca struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

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

This approach appears to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.

On paper the young star played on the right, however he had the freedom to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides greater energy and better ability to close down the channels.”

As a result them to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his chant was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However there have been various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

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

Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you believe near the best player, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning all four of recent derbies, the latest display highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. Yamal seems not in top condition, maybe due to injury issues