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This proved to be practically an ideal performance for Real Madrid, as they overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico and stretch their lead in first place in the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder notched his maiden domestic strike along with assist of the season after a challenging period coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his lethal form in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby in the dugout functioned like a charm.

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Frustrated with coming off, Vinicius protested as he walked straight past his manager and headed down the tunnel, before coming back to the bench after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's last eight coaches lost their initial La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, and Barca struggled because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers spaced by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for Jude, who previously had been tasked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

On paper the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, “By using Camavinga in the middle, this provides greater energy and additional options to close down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to put Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession with room, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barca's task tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been various accounts lately that the club might think about letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.

The winger has a year left on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

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

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you believe near the best player, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he has perceived that the club is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as he should – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing in their absence.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was kept largely in check.

The big names did not perform well. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems