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This proved to be nearly a perfect performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated Barca 2-1 in El Clasico to increase the gap at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league along with setup this term following a tough spell recovering from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked straight past the coach and headed off the pitch, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with Barcelona.

After the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, while Barca were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be positive for Jude, as he last season had been tasked to do everything in the center and more.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and additional options to close down the spaces.”

This led to them to position Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant were sung on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

However multiple various accounts over the past period that the club could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”

However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you feel on the verge of number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of last season's derbies, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Injuries have left without the manager of crucial contributors such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue