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This proved to be practically a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 during the famous derby to extend the gap at the summit of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a tough spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy at coming off, Vinicius protested on his way right by the coach before stormed to the dressing room, before coming back to the bench later.

Alonso System Gets Results for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's previous eight managers lost their initial La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver last season, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

An expert noted, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, while the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change looks to be positive for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he could to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and additional options to close down the spaces.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”

He was told to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent Madrid fans.

Yet multiple various accounts in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.

The winger will have one season to go on his deal come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst noted, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you believe on the verge of the best player, but the team redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and him now.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the recent derbies, the latest display represented their uncertain early form.

Injuries have left without the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.

Balague said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp 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. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players were below par. Yamal seems not in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue