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It was almost an ideal performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby to extend their lead in first place in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural domestic strike and key pass this campaign after a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal touch when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward complained while walking right by Xabi Alonso before stormed off the pitch, then returning to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with their rivals.

Following the relaxed method from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”

This approach seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to do everything in the center and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he was allowed to come inside and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The analyst continued, “By using the French midfielder in the center, it brings increased movement and more ways to close down the channels.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

He was told to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

Yet multiple numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

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

This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself close to being the best player, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he questions why always me?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius now.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the approach isn't working without them.

The analyst said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

The big names weren't at their best. Lamine appears he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues