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This proved to be almost a perfect performance for the Madrid side, who beat Barcelona 2-1 during El Clasico and increase their lead at the top of La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural league goal and key pass this term after a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his clinical touch when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward protested while walking directly past the coach and headed to the dressing room, before coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Success from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their first league meeting with Barca.

Following the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, his structured approach delivered its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, and Barcelona didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change looks to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to position Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and make the opponent's play very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his name was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However multiple countless reports over the past period that the club might think about selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius will have one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

This affects him, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and the player currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

After winning all four of last season's derbies, this outing highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have robbed the manager of key players including Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing without them.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

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

The big names did not perform well. The youngster appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue