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This proved to be almost a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico and extend the gap at the summit in La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder got his first league goal along with key pass this term following a challenging few months recovering from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward complained on his way right by Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, then returning to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Success from the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their first La Liga encounter against Barca.

Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, the new tactical system yielded its first major result.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, while Barca struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be good news for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

In the lineup Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague added, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been various accounts over the past period that the club would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.

He will have one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

His response when substituted in the second half suggested tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated a lack of respect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you feel on the verge of the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius now.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and his system isn't working in their absence.

The expert said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue