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This proved to be almost a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico and increase their lead at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham scored his first league goal along with setup of the season after a difficult few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his lethal form when scoring, while the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico as coach proved perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.

Frustrated with his substitution, Vinicius complained as he walked directly past his manager and stormed down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's last eight managers lost their first La Liga match against Barca.

Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

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

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he could to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, With the French midfielder in central midfield, you get greater energy and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to deploy Jude wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning in possession with room, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.

But multiple various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if the right offer arrived.

He will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction after coming off in the second half suggested tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself near the best player, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he has perceived that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and him at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's derbies, the latest display highlighted their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system is failing in their absence.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue