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This proved to be nearly an ideal performance from the Madrid side, as they defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one during El Clasico and stretch their lead at the top in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his maiden domestic strike along with setup of the season following a tough few months healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural derby as coach worked brilliantly.

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

Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward ranted as he walked right by his manager and stormed down the tunnel, then returning to the bench later.

Manager's Approach Yields Success for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's recent bosses lost their debut league encounter with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused method under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, the new tactical system yielded its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, and Barca struggled because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even the forward.”

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

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Jude, who last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he could to come inside and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, Employing the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and more ways to block the spaces.”

As a result the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However recently there were various accounts over the past period that the club could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half spoke of strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to injury issues