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This proved to be almost a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barca two goals to one in El Clasico and extend the gap at the summit of La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder got his first goal in the league along with key pass this term after a difficult few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward complained on his way right by his manager and stormed off the pitch, then reappearing to the substitute area later.

Alonso System Gets Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses were defeated in their initial league meeting with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire approach from the previous coach failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems good news for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he could to come inside and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The analyst continued, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, you get increased movement and better ability to shut down the channels.”

“That forced the team to put Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

He was told to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

However there have been numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if the right offer were to come in.

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

The player's reaction after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated tension. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel on the verge of number one in the world, but the team redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working without them.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine appears he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems