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The match represented nearly a perfect day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to extend their lead at the top of the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder notched his maiden league goal and setup this term after a tough period coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal touch when scoring, and the coach's game plan during his debut Clasico in the dugout worked perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before stormed down the tunnel, then coming back on the sidelines later.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's recent managers lost their first league meeting with Barcelona.

Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they applied pressure consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be good news for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to drift inward and either support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst continued, “By using Camavinga in the center, it brings more dynamism and better ability to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to put Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to track Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However multiple numerous stories lately that the club would consider selling him if the right offer were to come in.

He will have one year remaining on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a challenging environment, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is hard to change, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and the player at the moment.”

Their System “Struggles”

After winning all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system isn't working without them.

The analyst said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press those on the ball as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.

The big names weren't at their best. Yamal seems not in top condition, maybe due to injury issues