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It was almost a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico to extend their lead at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

The English midfielder notched his first goal in the league along with setup this term after a tough few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical form in attack, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated with coming off, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked directly past the coach and headed off the pitch, then returning to the bench after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Results for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their initial league encounter with Barca.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, while Barcelona were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

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

The tactical change seems beneficial for Jude, as he last season had been tasked to do everything in the engine room and more.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, “By using Camavinga in the middle, you get increased movement and additional options to shut down the spaces.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, connecting with him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung multiple times by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. 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, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you feel on the verge of the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he's felt that the organization has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning each of the recent derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is failing without them.

Balague said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems