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This proved to be almost an ideal day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona two goals to one during the Clasico and stretch their lead at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league along with key pass this term after a challenging few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his deadly touch in attack, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico on the sidelines worked like a charm.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.

Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius complained as he walked straight past the coach before marched down the tunnel, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Results for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's recent bosses lost their first La Liga meeting with Barca.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, and Barcelona were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to do everything in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and better ability to close down the channels.”

“That forced the team to deploy Jude wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

He was told to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.

Yet multiple numerous stories lately that Real Madrid could entertain selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half spoke of strained relations. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the approach is failing in their absence.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case the first goal as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

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

Key players did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue