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It was nearly an ideal outing from Real Madrid, who overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby and stretch the gap at the top in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his first goal in the league along with assist this term after a challenging few months healing from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe maintained his lethal form in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico as coach functioned brilliantly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated at coming off, the star forward complained as he walked right by his manager before headed to the dressing room, before reappearing to the bench after a short while.

Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga match against their rivals.

After the player-focused style from the previous coach fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, and Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and more.

In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave if the right offer was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction after coming off in the second half indicated tension. When the match ended, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, especially when you believe on the verge of number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

The expert said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names were below par. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue