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This proved to be practically a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico and increase the gap in first place of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his maiden goal in the league and assist this campaign following a challenging period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward continued his clinical touch in front of goal, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy at coming off, the Brazilian winger protested on his way directly past his manager and stormed off the pitch, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Tactical Setup Gets Results for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's recent managers lost their first league match with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire style of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded its first major result.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Jude, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.

Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, With Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings more dynamism and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barca's task challenging.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

The winger will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half spoke of strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of number one in the world, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's matches, the latest display highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system is failing when they are missing.

The analyst said, The squad seems 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 create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine seems not he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues