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This proved to be practically an ideal performance from the Madrid side, who beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to stretch their advantage at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his first goal in the league along with assist of the season after a difficult few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics during his debut derby as coach worked brilliantly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated at coming off, the star forward ranted on his way directly past his manager and headed off the pitch, before coming back to the bench after a short while.

Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their initial league meeting with their rivals.

After the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to do everything in the center and more.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and more ways to block the channels.”

“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

However multiple numerous stories lately that Los Blancos would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

He will have a year left on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes 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 drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Their System “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's matches, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.

The expert stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down those on the ball as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.

Key players weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems