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This proved to be almost a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 in El Clasico to stretch the gap at the top in the Spanish league to five points.

Bellingham got his inaugural league goal and assist of the season after a challenging period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe maintained his deadly form in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico as coach proved perfectly.

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

Unhappy with coming off, the Brazilian winger protested while walking straight past his manager and stormed off the pitch, then coming back to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Yields Success from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's last eight managers lost their debut league match against Barca.

After the laissez-faire method from the previous coach fell short earlier, his structured approach yielded its first major result.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings greater energy and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by a fervent home supporters.

However there have been numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius has one year remaining under his current terms when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

His response after coming off late in the game suggested tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you feel near the best player, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”

This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and Vinicius now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, the latest display represented Barca's shaky early form.

Injuries have left without the manager of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and his system isn't working when they are missing.

Balague said, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. Yamal seems not in top condition, maybe due to groin problems