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This proved to be almost a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one during the famous derby to stretch the gap at the top of the Spanish league by five points.

Bellingham scored his maiden league goal and assist of the season following a challenging period recovering from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical touch in attack, and the manager's strategy in his first Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.

However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.

Unhappy with being substituted, the star forward ranted as he walked right by his manager before headed to the dressing room, then returning on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that seven of Real's previous eight managers lost their debut La Liga encounter with their rivals.

After the player-focused style from the previous coach failed to get results last season, his structured approach delivered an important victory.

An expert observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and Barca struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, everybody even the forward.”

“They defended with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, you get more dynamism and more ways to close down the channels.”

This led to the team to put Jude on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty 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 challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him were sung multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet there have been various accounts over the past period that the club could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.

The winger has one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response when substituted late in the game spoke of strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

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

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's derbies, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.

Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster appears in top condition, possibly because of injury issues