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It was almost a flawless day for the Madrid side, as they beat their arch-rivals two goals to one during the famous derby and stretch their lead at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural domestic strike and key pass this term after a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe showed his lethal touch when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby in the dugout proved brilliantly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation reared its head another time.

Unhappy at coming off, Vinicius protested on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, before returning on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Yields Success for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their debut league match against their rivals.

Following the relaxed approach under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. The home side were impressive, while the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be positive for Bellingham, who previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, “By using Camavinga in central midfield, you get more dynamism and more ways to close down the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to put Jude on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by the passionate Madrid fans.

But multiple various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain selling him should a suitable bid was made.

He will have one year remaining on his contract when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you believe close to being number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season 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 an offer worth €250 million for him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations between the club and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of recent matches, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing in their absence.

The expert stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. Yamal appears he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems