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The match represented almost a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico and increase the gap at the top in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham notched his first league goal and key pass this campaign after a difficult period recovering from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal form in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first derby on the sidelines proved like a charm.

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

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward complained as he walked straight past his manager and marched down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Success for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting with Barca.

After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for Jude, as he in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague continued, With Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and more ways to block the spaces.”

As a result them to put Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to track Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by a fervent home supporters.

However there have been countless reports lately that the club would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you feel near number one in the world, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the recent matches, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing in their absence.

Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Yamal seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems