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This proved to be practically an ideal outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to extend the gap at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham notched his first goal in the league along with assist this term after a tough few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly touch in attack, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.

Frustrated with coming off, the star forward complained while walking straight past the coach and stormed off the pitch, then returning to the bench later.

Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their first La Liga match with Barca.

After the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

“They defended in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for Bellingham, who in the past had been tasked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

On paper the young star started wide right, however he was allowed to drift inward and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The analyst added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and more ways to block the channels.”

As a result them to position Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he found him a few times.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that supporters adore Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However there have been countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos might think about selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

Vinicius has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

His response to being replaced in the second half spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you believe close to being number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and let him go.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

The expert said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the first goal since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”

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

“Their stars weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems