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This proved to be nearly a flawless performance from Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and stretch their lead at the summit in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham scored his first domestic strike and key pass this term following a challenging few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his clinical performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first derby in the dugout worked like a charm.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested while walking right by Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, before coming back to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Yields Success for Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's last eight coaches were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire method from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded an important victory.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

This approach looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and additional options to shut down the spaces.”

As a result the team to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet multiple various accounts in recent months that the club could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.

He 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 late in the game spoke of tension. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel on the verge of number one in the world, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

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

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

The expert commented, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

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

“Their stars were below par. Yamal seems not he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue