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It was nearly an ideal performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame their arch-rivals two goals to one in El Clasico and increase their lead in first place in the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder got his first domestic strike and setup of the season following a difficult few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his deadly touch when scoring, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico on the sidelines worked like a charm.

But then the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested while walking straight past his manager before marched down the tunnel, before coming back on the sidelines several minutes.

Alonso System Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting with their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach appears to be positive for Jude, who previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides greater energy and more ways to block the channels.”

This led to the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to enter the area and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung on several occasions by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been numerous stories lately that Los Blancos could entertain selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

The winger has one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, He will face backlash for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you feel near the best player, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and him now.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the recent Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have deprived the manager of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach isn't working when they are missing.

The expert said, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. Should the defense is flawed, like on the first goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”

The young talent, the main threat earlier, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues