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It was practically a perfect outing from the Madrid side, as they overcame Barca 2-1 in the famous derby to increase the gap in first place of the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his maiden league goal and key pass of the season after a challenging few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his clinical performance in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Unhappy with coming off, the star forward protested on his way straight past the coach and headed down the tunnel, before reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Gets Results from the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial league encounter with Barca.

After the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, and Barca struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get more dynamism and additional options to block the channels.”

This led to them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However multiple various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

He has a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half indicated issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you feel on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

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

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning all four of recent derbies, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

Balague said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.

Key players were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues