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The match represented nearly a flawless outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona two goals to one in El Clasico to increase the gap at the top of La Liga by five points.

The English midfielder got his inaugural league goal and key pass this term following a difficult period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his clinical form when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico on the sidelines worked perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Frustrated with coming off, the star forward protested while walking straight past his manager and marched to the dressing room, then coming back to the substitute area later.

Manager's Approach Yields Results from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their first La Liga meeting with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire style from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

An expert noted, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The new system seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The analyst continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and better ability to block the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

But recently there were numerous stories lately that Los Blancos would consider selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

He has one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you feel near number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain early form.

Absences have deprived the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack not challenging those on the ball as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players weren't at their best. The youngster seems not he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems