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It was nearly an ideal day for the Madrid side, as they defeated Barca 2-1 in El Clasico to increase their lead at the summit in the Spanish league to five points.

Jude Bellingham got his first domestic strike and setup this campaign following a tough few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe showed his lethal performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines worked like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied at coming off, the Brazilian winger complained on his way directly past his manager before stormed off the pitch, before returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Success from the Midfielder

In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight managers lost their initial league meeting with Barcelona.

After the player-focused method under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for Jude, who previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and more ways to shut down the channels.”

As a result them to position Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

His response to being replaced late in the game indicated tension. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you believe on the verge of the top star, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and the player now.”

Their System “Struggles”

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

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing without them.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names did not perform well. Yamal appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue