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It was practically a flawless performance from Real Madrid, who beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to extend their lead at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his first goal in the league and setup of the season after a difficult few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Frustrated with being substituted, Vinicius protested on his way right by his manager before headed to the dressing room, before reappearing to the substitute area later.

Manager's Approach Yields Results for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's last eight bosses were defeated in their debut league encounter against their rivals.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered an important victory.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were impressive, while Barca were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, all players including the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by a short distance. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach looks to be positive for Bellingham, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in the center and more.

In the lineup the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, With Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and better ability to shut down the spaces.”

This led to them to deploy Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

But there have been countless reports over the past period that the club could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

The winger has a year left on his deal when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being the top star, but the team redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the last season's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Injuries have robbed the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and his system is not effective in their absence.

The expert said, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems