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It was almost an ideal performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barcelona two goals to one during El Clasico to stretch the gap in first place of the domestic championship to five points.

Bellingham got his maiden domestic strike along with key pass of the season after a tough few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his clinical touch when scoring, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, Vinicius complained on his way right by Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, then reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Alonso System Yields Results from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their first La Liga encounter with Barcelona.

Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, and Barcelona were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pressed high for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, all players including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be good news for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to deploy Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However recently there were various accounts lately that Real Madrid would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.

He has one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response to being replaced in the second half suggested tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague said, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed amid adversity, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself near the best player, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they might accept a bid of €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working when they are missing.

The expert stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging those on the ball adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.

The big names did not perform well. Yamal seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue