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It was nearly a flawless performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico and stretch their advantage at the summit in La Liga to five points.

Bellingham got his first league goal along with setup this campaign after a difficult spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward maintained his clinical touch in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico as coach proved like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.

Frustrated with his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained on his way straight past Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's last eight managers lost their first league encounter against Barcelona.

After the player-focused method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who previously was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The analyst continued, With Camavinga in central midfield, it brings greater energy and additional options to close down the channels.”

“That forced the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid might think about selling him if the right offer were to come in.

He has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you believe on the verge of the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he believes that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Their System “Struggles”

After winning each of the recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

Balague commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players weren't at their best. The youngster seems not in top condition, maybe due to injury issues