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This proved to be almost an ideal day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to stretch their lead at the summit in La Liga to five points.

Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal and assist this campaign after a tough spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his deadly form in attack, while Alonso's tactics during his debut derby as coach proved like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy at coming off, Vinicius complained on his way right by the coach before headed off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench later.

Alonso System Delivers Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their first La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire approach from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and better ability to close down the channels.”

This led to the team to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, and he found him a few times.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

But there have been various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.

He will have one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he believes that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the recent Clasicos, this outing represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to injury issues