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This proved to be practically a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to extend their advantage in first place of the domestic championship by five points.

The English midfielder scored his first domestic strike and key pass this term after a difficult spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward continued his lethal performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first derby on the sidelines proved like a charm.

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward complained as he walked directly past the coach and headed down the tunnel, before coming back to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Results from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's previous eight coaches lost their first La Liga match against their rivals.

After the relaxed style from the previous coach did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced an important victory.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, and Barcelona didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems good news for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to do everything in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, it brings greater energy and better ability to shut down the channels.”

“That forced them to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his name were sung multiple times by a fervent home supporters.

But recently there were numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure should a suitable bid were to come in.

He will have one season to go on his deal come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he says why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.

The big names were below par. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues