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This proved to be nearly a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona two goals to one during the Clasico to increase the gap at the top in the Spanish league by five points.

The English midfielder notched his inaugural goal in the league along with assist of the season after a challenging period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe continued his lethal form in attack, and the coach's game plan during his debut derby on the sidelines proved perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again yet again.

Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward ranted as he walked directly past his manager before headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's recent coaches lost their first La Liga encounter with their rivals.

After the player-focused method from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, and Barcelona struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in the center and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he could to drift inward and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius has a year left on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

Balague noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you believe close to being number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning each of the last season's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and his system isn't working without them.

Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by teammates failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. Lamine seems not he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue