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It was nearly a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca 2-1 in El Clasico to extend the gap in first place of the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural league goal along with assist of the season following a difficult spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.

Frustrated with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by Xabi Alonso and headed off the pitch, before returning on the sidelines later.

Alonso System Gets Success for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Real's recent coaches were defeated in their initial league encounter with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, his structured approach yielded an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, while Barca struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be good news for Bellingham, who last season had been tasked to do everything in midfield and more.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, however he was allowed to drift inward and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst stated, Employing Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.”

This led to the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.

However there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club might think about selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger will have one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

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

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you feel near the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for him and sell him.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and him now.”

Their System “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing without them.

The analyst stated, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

Key players did not perform well. Yamal seems not he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue