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It was nearly a flawless performance from the Madrid side, as they beat Barca 2-1 in El Clasico and extend their advantage in first place in the domestic championship to five points.

Bellingham got his maiden league goal along with assist of the season after a tough spell healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical performance in front of goal, and the manager's strategy in his first Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Frustrated at being substituted, Vinicius ranted on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before headed off the pitch, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's last eight bosses lost their debut league match against their rivals.

Following the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The new system looks to be good news for Jude, as he previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he could to come inside and link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, “By using Camavinga in the middle, you get increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.”

As a result the team to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces and cause Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet there have been numerous stories lately that Los Blancos might think about selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius 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 when substituted in the second half spoke of issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge between the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The expert stated, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was kept largely in check.

Key players weren't at their best. The youngster appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues