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This proved to be practically a perfect day for Real Madrid, who overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to stretch their advantage at the top of the domestic championship by five points.

The English midfielder scored his maiden domestic strike along with setup this campaign following a tough spell healing from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe continued his deadly touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked right by Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Success for Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Madrid's recent bosses lost their first league meeting against Barcelona.

Following the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, his structured approach produced an important victory.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst continued, With the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides greater energy and more ways to shut down the channels.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, and he found him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause the opponent's play challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

But recently there were countless reports lately that Los Blancos would consider selling him if the right offer were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

His response to being replaced in the second half spoke of issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

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

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, especially when you believe close to being the best player, but the team redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and him currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue