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It was practically an ideal performance from the Madrid side, as they defeated Barca 2-1 in the famous derby to extend their lead at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham scored his inaugural league goal and key pass this term following a challenging few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly touch in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Unhappy at his substitution, Vinicius ranted while walking right by his manager and marched to the dressing room, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their first league encounter against Barca.

Following the relaxed style under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, all players including the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be good news for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.

In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, “By using the French midfielder in the center, you get increased movement and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos would consider selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game indicated tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you believe near number one in the world, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius currently.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's matches, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of key players such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing in their absence.

The expert stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. Yamal appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems