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This proved to be almost a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico and extend their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden league goal along with assist this campaign after a challenging spell healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout worked like a charm.

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

Frustrated with being substituted, the star forward protested while walking directly past his manager before headed down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's recent bosses lost their initial league meeting with Barca.

After the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, and Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”

This approach looks to be good news for Bellingham, as he last season was expected to do everything in the center and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and either assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague stated, With the French midfielder in the center, this provides increased movement and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to put Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However recently there were numerous stories over the past period that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer arrived.

Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The expert said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you feel on the verge of the top star, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he says why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and him at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

Balague said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down those on the ball as expected.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue