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It was practically a perfect outing from Real Madrid, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to extend their lead in first place of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and key pass this term following a challenging few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his deadly form when scoring, and Alonso's tactics during his debut derby in the dugout proved brilliantly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the star forward protested while walking right by his manager and headed off the pitch, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Success for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their initial league encounter with their rivals.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, while the visitors didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

“They defended in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems good news for Bellingham, as he previously had been tasked to do everything in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, “By using Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to put Jude wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

But recently there were numerous stories over the past period that the club could entertain letting him leave if the right offer arrived.

He will have one season to go on his contract at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game suggested strained relations. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you believe close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing when they are missing.

The expert stated, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

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

The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue