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This proved to be practically an ideal outing from the Madrid side, as they beat Barca 2-1 in the famous derby and stretch the gap at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his maiden domestic strike along with assist this campaign following a challenging spell coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his deadly performance in front of goal, and the coach's game plan during his debut derby on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

However the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested while walking directly past the coach before headed down the tunnel, before coming back on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial La Liga meeting against Barca.

Following the player-focused style from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were impressive, and Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, Employing the French midfielder in the center, this provides increased movement and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to position Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

Yet there have been various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos would consider selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

The winger will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

The player's reaction after coming off late in the game spoke of tension. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert said, He will face backlash and rightly so, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you believe near number one in the world, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – to him he says why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to mend relations between the club and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning all four of recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working in their absence.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. When the backline is not organized, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

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

The big names did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues