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This proved to be almost a flawless outing for Real Madrid, who overcame Barca 2-1 in the Clasico to extend the gap in first place of the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his first league goal and key pass this campaign after a challenging few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his clinical touch in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Frustrated with his substitution, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way straight past his manager before stormed to the dressing room, then coming back to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Results for Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial La Liga meeting against Barca.

Following the laissez-faire style from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered its first major result.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, and the visitors struggled due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for Jude, who in the past was expected to do everything in midfield and beyond.

On paper the young star played on the right, however he could to come inside and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague added, “By using the French midfielder in the center, this provides increased movement and better ability to shut down the spaces.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.

The winger has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

His response after coming off late in the game suggested tension. When the match ended, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you believe near number one in the world, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he's felt that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of recent Clasicos, this outing highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system is failing without them.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.

The big names weren't at their best. Yamal appears he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue