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It was nearly an ideal outing from the Madrid side, who overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to increase their lead at the summit in the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his first domestic strike and setup this campaign after a tough few months healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward maintained his deadly performance when scoring, and Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Frustrated with being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way right by Xabi Alonso before headed to the dressing room, then reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's last eight managers lost their initial La Liga meeting against Barca.

After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by a short distance. The opposition were unable to break through.”

This approach looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, who last season was expected to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, With the French midfielder in the center, it brings increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that supporters love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet there have been numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if the right offer was made.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself near number one in the world, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective when they are missing.

The analyst stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball as expected.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

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