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This proved to be nearly a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca 2-1 in the famous derby to extend the gap in first place of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his maiden domestic strike along with key pass this term after a tough period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical touch in attack, and Alonso's tactics during his debut derby on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward ranted while walking straight past his manager before headed down the tunnel, then reappearing to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Results from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial league meeting with Barca.

Following the player-focused method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, and Barca were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be good news for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and either assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague added, “By using Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and more ways to shut down the channels.”

This led to them to position Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half indicated issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you feel on the verge of the best player, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

After winning each of the recent matches, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing in their absence.

The expert stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

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

“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue