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It was almost an ideal performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby to increase the gap in first place in La Liga to five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden league goal along with setup of the season following a tough few months healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Unhappy at coming off, Vinicius protested while walking right by Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Success from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's last eight managers lost their first league match with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, his structured approach delivered an important victory.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, and the visitors struggled due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, all players even the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by a short distance. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be good news for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the center and additional duties.

On paper the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to come inside and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert added, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, it brings increased movement and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”

He was told to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

But multiple various accounts in recent months that Real Madrid would consider selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself near the top star, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of recent matches, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and his system isn't working in their absence.

The analyst said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the first goal as Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.

The big names were below par. Lamine seems not he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue