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It was nearly a flawless outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico and increase their lead at the summit of La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder got his first league goal and setup of the season after a difficult spell healing from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical touch in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico on the sidelines worked like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the star forward complained as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, then returning to the bench later.

Tactical Setup Yields Results for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their first La Liga match with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused method under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded its first major result.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, while the visitors didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The new system seems beneficial for Jude, as he in the past was expected to do everything in midfield and beyond.

In the lineup the 22-year-old started wide right, however he could to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague added, “By using Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and better ability to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barca's task challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

However multiple numerous stories in recent months that the club would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.

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

His response to being replaced in the second half indicated strained relations. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you believe near number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

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

It may be challenging to mend relations between the club and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Lamine seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue