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It was almost an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby to extend their lead at the top in the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his first league goal along with assist this campaign after a difficult period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly form in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.

Unhappy with his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained on his way right by his manager before stormed off the pitch, before reappearing to the substitute area later.

Manager's Approach Gets Results from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's last eight bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga encounter against their rivals.

After the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pressed high consistently, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, Employing the French midfielder in the center, it brings greater energy and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However recently there were numerous stories lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him if the right offer were to come in.

He has a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response after coming off in the second half indicated issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you feel on the verge of number one in the world, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he has perceived that the organization is not defending him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is failing when they are missing.

The expert stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the first goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

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

Key players did not perform well. Yamal seems not he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues