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It was almost a flawless performance for Real Madrid, who defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one in the famous derby to extend the gap at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his first domestic strike along with key pass of the season after a challenging spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his deadly touch in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines proved like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the star forward ranted on his way directly past Xabi Alonso before headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the bench later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success for Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their initial La Liga meeting with their rivals.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach failed to get results last season, his structured approach produced its first major result.

An expert commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were impressive, and Barca were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be beneficial for Jude, who previously had been tasked to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague continued, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, it brings greater energy and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

As a result them to position Jude wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he found him on several occasions.”

He was told to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague said, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

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

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself near the top star, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile among the parties and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning all four of recent derbies, this outing represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The analyst said, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender played him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

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