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This proved to be practically an ideal performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca two goals to one during the famous derby to increase their lead in first place in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his maiden goal in the league along with setup of the season following a challenging spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his deadly form when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut derby in the dugout proved perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.

Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way right by his manager and stormed to the dressing room, before returning on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses were defeated in their initial La Liga encounter with their rivals.

Following the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, his structured approach delivered its first major result.

An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona struggled because of the home team's approach.”

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

Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach seems good news for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, however he was allowed to come inside and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, With the French midfielder in the middle, it brings more dynamism and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”

This led to them to put Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe in possession and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barca's task tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him rang out repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.

But there have been countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

He will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, but the team redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open a bid of €250 million for him and sell him.”

This affects him, and when the coach substituted him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and the player now.”

Their System “Crumbles”

After winning all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

The expert stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems