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The match represented nearly a flawless performance from the Madrid side, who defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby and stretch their advantage at the top of La Liga by five points.

The English midfielder got his inaugural goal in the league and key pass this term after a challenging spell healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward showed his clinical form in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Unhappy with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before stormed off the pitch, then returning on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Gets Results for the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their debut league match against Barcelona.

Following the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. The home side performed excellently, and the visitors were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for Jude, as he previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the center and additional duties.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, With Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and better ability to block the channels.”

This led to the team to position Bellingham on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to track the forward's positioning in possession and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant were sung repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However there have been various accounts lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius has one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

Balague noted, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

However, from a young age, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, so when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and the player currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing in their absence.

Balague said, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to a groin issue