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This proved to be practically a perfect day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the famous derby and increase the gap in first place in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his inaugural goal in the league and assist of the season after a challenging few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his deadly performance in attack, and the coach's game plan in his first Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward complained as he walked right by Xabi Alonso before headed to the dressing room, before coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Yields Results for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their first league match with Barcelona.

After the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, and Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.

Theoretically the young star started wide right, but actually he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, you get greater energy and additional options to block the channels.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly his role included to track the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his chant was chanted repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.

But multiple countless reports over the past period that the club might think about selling him if the right offer was made.

Vinicius has one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he says why always me?.”

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

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's matches, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing without them.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues