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The match represented almost a flawless outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby and extend the gap at the summit of the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder scored his maiden goal in the league and setup this term after a tough period recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward maintained his lethal performance when scoring, while the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout worked perfectly.

However the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.

Unhappy at being substituted, Vinicius protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before stormed down the tunnel, then returning to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results for Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's recent managers were defeated in their first league match against Barcelona.

After the relaxed method from the previous coach fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two lines spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems good news for the midfielder, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old played on the right, however he was allowed to drift inward and assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and better ability to block the spaces.”

As a result them to position Bellingham wide right. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet multiple numerous stories lately that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The expert commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, notably when you believe on the verge of the top star, and the organization redirects attention towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he has perceived that the club has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning all four of previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of key players including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not organized, like on the first goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

The big names were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues