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This proved to be almost an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barca 2-1 during El Clasico to extend their advantage in first place of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his first goal in the league along with assist this term following a tough few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his lethal touch in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout functioned like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.

Dissatisfied with coming off, Vinicius ranted as he walked straight past the coach and headed off the pitch, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Manager's Approach Delivers Results from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight bosses lost their initial league encounter against their rivals.

Following the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be positive for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and more.

In the lineup the young star started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The analyst stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However there have been various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. When the match ended, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

However, from a young age, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself close to being the top star, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's matches, this outing represented Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue