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This proved to be nearly an ideal performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico and extend their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league by five points.

The English midfielder scored his maiden domestic strike and assist this term after a challenging spell healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his deadly performance in attack, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Frustrated with coming off, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past the coach before headed off the pitch, then coming back to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Real's previous eight bosses lost their first league encounter with Barca.

After the player-focused style under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while the visitors didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

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

This approach seems beneficial for Bellingham, as he in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.

Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The expert continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and more ways to shut down the channels.”

This led to them to deploy Bellingham wide right. Certainly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he located him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his chant was chanted on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet recently there were numerous stories lately that Real Madrid might think about selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

He has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half spoke of tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

Balague noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of last season's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have robbed the manager of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. Yamal appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues