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It was almost a flawless performance for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barca two goals to one during El Clasico and increase their lead in first place in the domestic championship to five points.

Bellingham got his inaugural league goal along with setup of the season after a challenging period recovering from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his clinical touch in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Unhappy with being substituted, the star forward protested as he walked straight past Xabi Alonso and headed down the tunnel, then reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results from the Midfielder

In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their initial league meeting with their rivals.

After the player-focused approach from the previous coach fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced an important victory.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, and the visitors struggled due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

The team's shape in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems good news for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The expert stated, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, this provides greater energy and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

As a result them to position Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by a fervent home supporters.

But multiple countless reports over the past period that the club might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

Vinicius will have a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel close to being number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he questions why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of last season's matches, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and his system isn't working when they are missing.

The expert said, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

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

Key players were below par. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue