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This proved to be nearly a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to increase their lead at the top of the Spanish league by five points.

The English midfielder notched his first domestic strike and assist this term following a difficult few months healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe continued his deadly form in front of goal, and the coach's game plan during his debut derby in the dugout worked perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward ranted while walking right by Xabi Alonso before headed down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Real's last eight bosses were defeated in their initial La Liga meeting against their rivals.

After the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were impressive, and the visitors struggled because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The analyst added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings more dynamism and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.

He will have one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game spoke of strained relations. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, his life has been amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel near the best player, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and after Alonso subbed him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's derbies, the latest display highlighted their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have deprived the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective without them.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not challenging those on the ball as expected.”

The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.

Key players were below par. Yamal appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems