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This proved to be almost an ideal performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico and increase the gap at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural domestic strike along with setup this campaign after a tough spell coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe continued his deadly performance when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied at coming off, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked directly past the coach before stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the bench several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Success from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their debut league encounter with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded its first major result.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, while the visitors struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to drift inward and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, With Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and better ability to block the channels.”

“That forced them to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

Yet recently there were various accounts lately that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

His response to being replaced in the second half spoke of tension. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

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

“That mentality is hard to change, notably when you believe near number one in the world, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

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

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of key players such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and the approach isn't working without them.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on the first goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue