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It was nearly an ideal performance for Real Madrid, who beat Barca 2-1 in the famous derby to increase the gap at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his first domestic strike along with key pass this campaign following a tough period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy during his debut derby on the sidelines worked perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked directly past the coach and stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing to the bench later.

Alonso System Yields Success for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their initial league meeting against Barcelona.

Following the player-focused method under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

An expert observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, and Barca struggled because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two layers with a gap of a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be positive for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert added, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings increased movement and additional options to block the channels.”

This led to them to put Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

Yet there have been various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

He will have a year left under his current terms when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has existed amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of recent Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

The expert said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, possibly because of injury issues