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This proved to be nearly a perfect outing from the Madrid side, as they overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and extend their advantage at the top of the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his first domestic strike along with assist of the season following a difficult period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first derby on the sidelines proved perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied at coming off, Vinicius ranted on his way straight past the coach and marched to the dressing room, before reappearing on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's recent managers lost their initial La Liga encounter with Barca.

Following the relaxed approach under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he last season was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, however he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst continued, Employing Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

This led to them to position Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet multiple various accounts lately that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger will have one season to go 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 spoke of issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you believe near the top star, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have robbed the manager of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.

The analyst commented, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.

The big names were below par. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues