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This proved to be almost a perfect performance from Real Madrid, as they beat Barca 2-1 in El Clasico and increase the gap at the top in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his first goal in the league and key pass of the season following a tough spell healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his deadly form in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics during his debut derby in the dugout functioned perfectly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward complained as he walked straight past his manager before stormed to the dressing room, then coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their first La Liga match against Barca.

After the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The tactical change seems positive for Jude, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and more.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get greater energy and additional options to shut down the spaces.”

This led to them to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to track Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were various accounts in recent months that the club might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you feel near the best player, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing in their absence.

The expert stated, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems