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This proved to be practically an ideal performance for the Madrid side, as they beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to stretch the gap at the top of the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder notched his first domestic strike along with key pass of the season after a tough spell coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe showed his deadly form in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico as coach functioned perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward ranted while walking straight past his manager before headed off the pitch, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's recent coaches were defeated in their first La Liga meeting with Barca.

After the relaxed style under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, and the visitors didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be positive for the midfielder, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and more.

In the lineup the young star started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and more ways to close down the channels.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

Yet recently there were numerous stories lately that the club might think about selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

His response to being replaced late in the game spoke of tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, 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, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he has perceived that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

This affects him, so when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of last season's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted their uncertain early form.

Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working when they are missing.

The expert commented, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

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

Key players did not perform well. The youngster appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems