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This proved to be almost a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca 2-1 in the Clasico to increase their advantage in first place in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his inaugural league goal and assist this term after a tough few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.

Unhappy with coming off, Vinicius ranted on his way right by Xabi Alonso before stormed to the dressing room, before coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their first league encounter against Barcelona.

Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, his structured approach produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barca were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, everybody even Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, “By using Camavinga in the middle, this provides greater energy and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham wide right. Certainly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been countless reports lately that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal was made.

He has one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself close to being the best player, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that the organization has not supported him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and him at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's derbies, the latest display highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have deprived the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system isn't working in their absence.

Balague commented, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster seems not he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue