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The match represented nearly a flawless day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to extend their lead in first place in La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder notched his maiden domestic strike and assist this term after a difficult few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward maintained his clinical performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first derby in the dugout functioned perfectly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.

Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past his manager before headed down the tunnel, before coming back to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Gets Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their initial league match with their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.

Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and Barcelona were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The tactical change appears to be positive for Bellingham, who in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and more.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert continued, With the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he found him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.

But recently there were various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius will have one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

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

“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you believe close to being the top star, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and the player now.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the recent Clasicos, the latest display highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of key players such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and his system is failing in their absence.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press those on the ball as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars were below par. Lamine seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue