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This proved to be almost an ideal performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca two goals to one in the Clasico and stretch their lead in first place of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his first league goal along with setup this term following a tough period healing from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward showed his clinical touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

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

Unhappy at his substitution, Vinicius protested while walking right by Xabi Alonso before headed down the tunnel, before reappearing to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Yields Success from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga match with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire style from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who last season was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The analyst continued, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and additional options to close down the channels.”

“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, connecting with him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barca's task tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

However there have been numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius has one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, especially when you feel on the verge of the top star, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he's felt that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros for him and sell him.”

This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning all four of last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working in their absence.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems