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It was practically a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to stretch their advantage at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his first goal in the league and key pass of the season following a difficult period healing from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Frustrated with being substituted, the star forward complained as he walked right by his manager before marched down the tunnel, before returning on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Delivers Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight bosses were defeated in their first league meeting against Barca.

After the relaxed style under Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

A specialist noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, and Barca didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for the midfielder, who last season had been tasked to do everything in the center and beyond.

In the lineup the young star started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, With Camavinga in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung multiple times by a fervent home supporters.

However there have been various accounts over the past period that the club would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague noted, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself close to being the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he believes that the club has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – to him he says why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain early form.

Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Lamine appears he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues