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The match represented almost a flawless outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barcelona two goals to one in El Clasico to extend their advantage at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his inaugural league goal and assist of the season after a difficult few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly touch when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Frustrated with coming off, Vinicius ranted as he walked right by his manager and stormed down the tunnel, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses were defeated in their initial league match with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused style under Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach delivered an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, and the visitors were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

This approach looks to be positive for the midfielder, as he in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, Employing Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and additional options to close down the channels.”

As a result them to put Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half suggested tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.

Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the first goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Yamal appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue