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This proved to be almost a perfect performance for the Madrid side, who defeated Barca 2-1 during the famous derby to extend the gap in first place of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his first goal in the league along with setup of the season after a tough spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe continued his lethal performance in attack, and the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

Yet the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.

Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before stormed to the dressing room, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Gets Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's recent managers were defeated in their initial La Liga match against their rivals.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.

Spanish football analyst commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, and Barca were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The new system seems beneficial for Jude, who in the past was expected to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper the young star played on the right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides more dynamism and better ability to block the spaces.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to block central spaces creating the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant was chanted on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

However recently there were various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

Vinicius has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response when substituted in the second half indicated tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you feel close to being the best player, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the recent derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.

Balague said, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. Lamine appears in top condition, maybe due to groin problems