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The match represented almost an ideal outing from the Madrid side, who beat Barca 2-1 in El Clasico and extend their lead at the summit of the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural domestic strike and assist this term after a difficult few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly performance when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his first derby as coach worked perfectly.

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

Unhappy with his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained as he walked directly past his manager before stormed off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench later.

Tactical Setup Gets Results for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their first league match with Barcelona.

After the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by a short distance. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for the midfielder, who last season had been tasked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague continued, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, you get more dynamism and additional options to block the channels.”

As a result them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

Yet recently there were countless reports lately that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response when substituted in the second half suggested strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you feel on the verge of the best player, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning each of the recent derbies, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

The expert stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they are not helped from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

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

The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems