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It was almost a flawless performance for Real Madrid, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 during the Clasico and stretch the gap at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his first league goal along with key pass this term after a difficult period coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his lethal form in attack, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico on the sidelines worked like a charm.

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

Dissatisfied with coming off, the star forward protested while walking straight past the coach before headed to the dressing room, then coming back on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Real's last eight bosses lost their debut La Liga match with Barcelona.

After the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, and Barcelona were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they fell back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the spaces.”

As a result the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to track the forward's positioning on the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However multiple countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid were to come in.

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

The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that the club has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros to sign him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations with the club and him currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.

“Their stars weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of injury issues