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This proved to be nearly a perfect outing from Real Madrid, who defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico to extend the gap at the summit of the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his inaugural goal in the league and assist of the season after a difficult few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward maintained his clinical performance in attack, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, Vinicius ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before marched to the dressing room, then coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses were defeated in their first La Liga match against Barca.

After the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”

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

The team's shape with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the center and beyond.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert continued, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings more dynamism and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

However recently there were countless reports lately that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius has a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response when substituted in the second half spoke of tension. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the recent matches, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems