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It was almost a flawless outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby and extend their advantage in first place in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his first domestic strike along with setup this term following a difficult spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly performance when scoring, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico as coach proved like a charm.

Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.

Frustrated at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by the coach and headed to the dressing room, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's last eight coaches lost their first league meeting against their rivals.

Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. The home side performed excellently, while the visitors didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

This approach looks to be good news for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger will have one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst said, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, particularly since you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of last season's derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and his system isn't working in their absence.

Balague said, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. Yamal appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues