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It was nearly a flawless outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to stretch their advantage in first place in the Spanish league by five points.

Bellingham scored his first goal in the league along with setup this campaign after a difficult spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward maintained his deadly form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.

Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked right by his manager and marched off the pitch, then coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Success for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their first league match against their rivals.

Following the relaxed method from the previous coach fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

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

“They defended with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for Bellingham, who in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The analyst continued, Employing Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and additional options to shut down the channels.”

“That forced them to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant were sung multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you feel on the verge of the best player, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”

This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing in their absence.

The expert stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case the first goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as expected.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. Lamine appears he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems