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This proved to be practically a flawless day for the Madrid side, as they beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and stretch the gap at the summit in the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder notched his inaugural league goal along with key pass of the season following a difficult period recovering from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe maintained his clinical performance in front of goal, and the coach's game plan during his debut El Clasico as coach proved perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way right by his manager before headed to the dressing room, before returning to the substitute area later.

Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Real's last eight bosses were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused approach under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, and Barcelona struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems good news for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, “By using the French midfielder in the center, it brings increased movement and more ways to shut down the channels.”

This led to them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

Yet recently there were numerous stories over the past period that the club might think about letting him leave if the right offer arrived.

The winger has one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half spoke of issues. When the match ended, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of recent derbies, the latest display represented their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.

Balague stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. Yamal appears he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues