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This proved to be practically a flawless day for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barcelona 2-1 in the famous derby and increase their advantage in first place of the Spanish league by five points.

The English midfielder notched his first goal in the league along with assist this campaign after a difficult spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward maintained his clinical touch in attack, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.

Frustrated with his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked directly past his manager before headed down the tunnel, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Gets Positive Outcomes for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Real's recent managers were defeated in their debut league encounter with Barcelona.

After the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while Barca didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

“They defended in two lines spaced by a short distance. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems good news for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and more ways to close down the spaces.”

This led to them to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed 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 get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Strained Relations Exposed

Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his chant rang out on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet there have been various accounts lately that the club could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you believe near the top star, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of last season's derbies, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the approach isn't working in their absence.

The expert commented, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

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

“Their stars were below par. Yamal seems not he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems