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The match represented nearly a flawless day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to stretch their advantage in first place of the Spanish league to five points.

Bellingham got his inaugural league goal and assist this campaign after a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his lethal touch in front of goal, while the coach's game plan during his debut derby on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward ranted as he walked right by his manager and stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines later.

Alonso System Yields Results from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with their rivals.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, while Barca were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be positive for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, With the French midfielder in the center, you get greater energy and additional options to close down the channels.”

As a result the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

But multiple numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half spoke of tension. When the match ended, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

Balague commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

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

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems