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This proved to be almost a flawless outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barca 2-1 in the Clasico to stretch the gap in first place in La Liga by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal and key pass this term following a challenging spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe showed his clinical touch when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his first derby in the dugout worked like a charm.

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

Dissatisfied with being substituted, Vinicius complained on his way right by the coach and marched down the tunnel, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that the majority of Real's last eight bosses lost their initial La Liga meeting with Barcelona.

After the player-focused style from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach seems good news for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

On paper the young star played on the right, but actually he could to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and more ways to close down the spaces.”

This led to the team to deploy Jude wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning when he had 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, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, his chant were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

But there have been countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos would consider selling him should a suitable bid was made.

The winger has one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

His response to being replaced late in the game indicated strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, but the team drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and his system isn't working when they are missing.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. The youngster appears he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue