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This proved to be nearly a flawless performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and increase the gap at the summit in the Spanish league to five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his first goal in the league and key pass of the season following a challenging period recovering from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his clinical touch when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.

However the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the star forward complained while walking directly past his manager before marched down the tunnel, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Results for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's previous eight coaches were defeated in their first La Liga match against their rivals.

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

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

Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by a short distance. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who last season had been tasked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.

In the lineup Bellingham started wide right, but actually he could to come inside and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and additional options to close down the channels.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to track Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, and he found him a few times.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

However there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.

He will have a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

His response after coming off late in the game suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”

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

Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you feel close to being the top star, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have left without the manager of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.

The analyst stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Lamine seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems