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This proved to be almost a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby to stretch the gap at the top of the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal along with assist this campaign following a difficult period recovering from a shoulder operation.

The French forward maintained his lethal touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the star forward protested as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso and headed down the tunnel, before reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Delivers Results from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Real's recent coaches lost their initial league meeting against Barca.

After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

Spanish football analyst commented, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, while Barca were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated with discipline, all players including the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems good news for Jude, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, “By using Camavinga in the middle, it brings more dynamism and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.

He has one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

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

The expert commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

Balague said, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

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