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This proved to be almost a perfect performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to increase their lead at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his maiden league goal along with key pass this campaign after a tough period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe continued his lethal form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby as coach proved brilliantly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Frustrated with coming off, Vinicius complained on his way straight past his manager and headed off the pitch, then returning on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's previous eight coaches were defeated in their debut league encounter with their rivals.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, and Barca struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems good news for Jude, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

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

This led to them to put Jude on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his name was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid was made.

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

Vinicius' behavior when substituted in the second half suggested issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”

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

This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you believe on the verge of the best player, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”

This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and Vinicius now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's derbies, the latest display highlighted their uncertain early form.

Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

Balague commented, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. The youngster appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue