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The match represented practically a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona 2-1 in the famous derby and extend the gap at the top in the Spanish league to five points.

Bellingham got his inaugural domestic strike along with setup of the season following a challenging spell healing from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe showed his lethal performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut derby as coach functioned like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.

Unhappy with being substituted, the star forward complained as he walked right by Xabi Alonso and headed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches lost their initial league encounter against Barcelona.

After the relaxed style under Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, while Barcelona struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

This approach appears to be good news for the midfielder, who last season had been tasked to cover multiple roles in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he could to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

This led to them to put Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his name rang out multiple times by a fervent Madrid fans.

But multiple numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos would consider selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being the top star, but the team drives the axis towards Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to groin problems