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This proved to be nearly a flawless performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to increase the gap at the summit of the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal and key pass of the season after a challenging few months healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly performance in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico in the dugout worked perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the star forward protested on his way right by his manager before marched to the dressing room, then coming back to the substitute area later.

Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's recent bosses lost their debut La Liga meeting with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, while Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”

“They defended in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems positive for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, however he could to come inside and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, you get greater energy and better ability to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to track the forward's positioning in possession with room, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet multiple numerous stories over the past period that the club might think about selling him if the right offer arrived.

He has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction after coming off in the second half spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you believe on the verge of the top star, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and him currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue