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It was nearly an ideal day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to extend their lead in first place in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his maiden league goal and assist this term after a tough few months healing from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal form in attack, while Alonso's tactics during his debut Clasico on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, Vinicius protested as he walked right by the coach and marched down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's last eight managers lost their initial league encounter with their rivals.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, his structured approach produced its first major result.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, and the visitors were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The analyst added, “By using Camavinga in the center, you get increased movement and more ways to close down the channels.”

This led to them to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

But there have been numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos might think about selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

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

However, from a young age, his life has been in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of the top star, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and the player currently.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of recent matches, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing in their absence.

Balague commented, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue