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This proved to be practically an ideal performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barca 2-1 in the Clasico to stretch the gap at the summit of the Spanish league to five points.

Bellingham scored his maiden domestic strike and key pass of the season following a challenging period recovering from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe continued his lethal performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby on the sidelines proved perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward complained while walking right by Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Yields Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's recent bosses lost their debut La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach did not deliver last season, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change seems positive for Bellingham, as he previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague added, With the French midfielder in the middle, this provides more dynamism and additional options to shut down the channels.”

“That forced the team to put Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe in possession and had space, connecting with 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 challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him was chanted on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

However there have been numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

The player's reaction after coming off late in the game indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's derbies, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

Balague said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is not organized, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. Yamal appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues