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This proved to be nearly a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to stretch the gap at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his inaugural goal in the league along with setup this term after a challenging few months healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his clinical touch when scoring, while the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again yet again.

Dissatisfied with coming off, Vinicius protested as he walked straight past the coach before marched to the dressing room, before reappearing on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Gets Results for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, considering seven of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their debut La Liga match against their rivals.

Following the relaxed style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded its first major result.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be good news for Bellingham, as he last season had been tasked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague continued, With the French midfielder in central midfield, this provides increased movement and additional options to block the channels.”

This led to them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he located him repeatedly.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet multiple countless reports lately that Los Blancos might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger will have one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated tension. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself close to being the best player, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and him now.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

Balague said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

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

Key players weren't at their best. Lamine appears he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue