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It was nearly a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and stretch their lead at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his first goal in the league along with setup this term after a tough few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his lethal touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger complained as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso before headed off the pitch, before coming back to the bench later.

Alonso System Gets Results from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's previous eight managers lost their first league meeting against their rivals.

After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.

An expert observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, but actually he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, With the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides greater energy and additional options to shut down the channels.”

This led to the team to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, and he located him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

But recently there were various accounts over the past period that the club could entertain selling him if the right offer were to come in.

The winger has a year left on his contract come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game spoke of issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, particularly since you believe near the top star, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that the club has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed the manager of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is not effective in their absence.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names were below par. The youngster appears he is at his best, maybe due to groin problems