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This proved to be nearly a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barca 2-1 in the famous derby and stretch their lead in first place of the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league and assist this term after a difficult spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

The French forward maintained his deadly form when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his first derby in the dugout proved perfectly.

However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked right by Xabi Alonso before headed down the tunnel, then coming back on the sidelines after a short while.

Tactical Setup Gets Results from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's previous eight coaches lost their initial La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the player-focused style under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, while Barca struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings greater energy and better ability to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant were sung on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But recently there were countless reports in recent months that the club might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

Vinicius has a year left on his deal when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half suggested issues. When the match ended, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

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

However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you believe near the best player, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros for him and sell him.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of recent matches, the latest display represented their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

Balague commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

Key players weren't at their best. Lamine seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues