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This proved to be nearly an ideal performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and increase their advantage in first place in the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham notched his inaugural domestic strike and assist of the season following a tough few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his lethal form in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his first derby on the sidelines worked perfectly.

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

Frustrated at coming off, Vinicius ranted as he walked straight past his manager before stormed to the dressing room, before coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's recent managers were defeated in their initial league meeting against their rivals.

After the player-focused style from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who last season had been tasked to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and more ways to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

He was told to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple numerous stories over the past period that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

He has one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction after coming off late in the game spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and him currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Injuries have left without the manager of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

The analyst stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue