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The match represented nearly a perfect performance for the Madrid side, as they beat Barca 2-1 during the Clasico and stretch their lead at the summit of La Liga to five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden league goal along with assist this campaign following a tough few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

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

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward ranted on his way right by Xabi Alonso and headed down the tunnel, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Success from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their initial La Liga match with Barcelona.

After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, while Barcelona were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, all players even the forward.”

“They defended with two banks separated by a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems good news for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and more.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and more ways to shut down the channels.”

As a result them to put Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

Balague said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the club has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the recent derbies, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Injuries have robbed the manager of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system is failing in their absence.

The expert said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, like on the first goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Yamal appears in top condition, maybe due to groin problems