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It was almost a flawless performance from Real Madrid, who beat Barca 2-1 in the famous derby and increase the gap at the summit of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his maiden domestic strike and setup this term after a difficult spell healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his deadly performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned like a charm.

However the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.

Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by his manager and headed to the dressing room, before returning to the bench later.

Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their initial league meeting with Barcelona.

After the laissez-faire method from the previous coach did not deliver last season, his structured approach produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, and the visitors were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, however he was allowed to move centrally and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, this provides greater energy and better ability to close down the channels.”

This led to them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

However there have been numerous stories lately that Real Madrid might think about allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

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

His response to being replaced late in the game indicated tension. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

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

This mindset is difficult to shake, notably when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he questions why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have deprived the manager of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the first goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was kept largely in check.

The big names were below par. Yamal seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue