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It was practically a perfect day for the Madrid side, as they beat Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby and increase their lead in first place in the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder got his first goal in the league along with key pass of the season following a challenging spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward continued his clinical touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward complained while walking right by Xabi Alonso and stormed off the pitch, before reappearing to the bench after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Success for Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their first league encounter against their rivals.

Following the player-focused approach under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

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

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.

On paper the young star started wide right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Jude wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung multiple times by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

However multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

The analyst commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed disrespect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you believe near the best player, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he believes that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations with the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning all four of last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing without them.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was well contained.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems