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The match represented nearly an ideal outing from Real Madrid, who beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to extend the gap at the summit of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his maiden goal in the league along with assist this campaign following a tough period healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe showed his deadly form in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by the coach before marched off the pitch, before reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Madrid's recent coaches were defeated in their first La Liga encounter with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, and the visitors were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change seems positive for the midfielder, who last season was expected to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and better ability to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause Barca's task tough.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been numerous stories lately that Real Madrid would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

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

Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you believe near the best player, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning all four of recent matches, the latest display highlighted their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing without them.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue