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This proved to be nearly a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico and extend their advantage at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his first domestic strike along with assist this term after a challenging spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his lethal form in attack, while the manager's strategy in his first Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Frustrated at coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking directly past the coach and marched off the pitch, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Results from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's last eight coaches lost their first La Liga encounter with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered an important victory.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were impressive, while the visitors struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach seems beneficial for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, however he could to move centrally and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get greater energy and more ways to shut down the channels.”

As a result them to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

Undoubtedly that supporters love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

But recently there were numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

Vinicius will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of number one in the world, but the team redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

After winning each of the last season's matches, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was well contained.

“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue