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This proved to be nearly a flawless day for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to increase the gap at the summit in the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league along with assist this term following a difficult period coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward maintained his clinical touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Unhappy with being substituted, the star forward protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial league encounter against their rivals.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were impressive, and Barcelona didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach seems positive for the midfielder, as he last season was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and beyond.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and either assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague continued, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and additional options to shut down the channels.”

As a result the team to put Jude wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to track Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he found him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his name was chanted on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

But recently there were numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure if an attractive proposal was made.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he believes that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have left without the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.

The big names did not perform well. The youngster seems not he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue