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This proved to be almost a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca 2-1 during the Clasico and stretch their advantage in first place of the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder got his inaugural domestic strike along with assist of the season following a tough spell coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe showed his lethal form in attack, and the manager's strategy during his debut derby as coach proved like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward protested as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and stormed off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench several minutes.

Alonso System Gets Success for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight coaches lost their initial La Liga encounter with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced its first major result.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, while Barca were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

This approach seems good news for Bellingham, who in the past had been tasked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

On paper the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert added, “By using Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and additional options to shut down the spaces.”

This led to the team to put Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response when substituted late in the game indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”

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

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

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

The expert said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, like on the first goal since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.

Key players weren't at their best. Lamine appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems