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The match represented nearly a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 during El Clasico and increase the gap in first place of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his first league goal along with setup this campaign following a challenging few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe continued his lethal form when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his first derby as coach proved like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.

Frustrated with coming off, the star forward complained as he walked straight past the coach and headed off the pitch, before coming back on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their first league match with Barca.

Following the player-focused method under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, and the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be good news for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

On paper the young star started wide right, however he could to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst added, “By using the French midfielder in the center, it brings increased movement and additional options to close down the spaces.”

This led to them to position Jude wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

But multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if the right offer were to come in.

The winger will have one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

His response when substituted late in the game indicated issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

Balague commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display represented their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have left without the manager of key players including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective without them.

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

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue