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It was almost an ideal performance for the Madrid side, as they defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico to increase the gap at the top in La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural league goal along with key pass of the season after a challenging few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe maintained his lethal form in attack, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach proved like a charm.

Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.

Unhappy at coming off, Vinicius ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, then coming back to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Gets Success for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting against Barcelona.

After the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, and Barcelona didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach appears to be positive for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he could to come inside and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The analyst continued, “By using the French midfielder in the center, this provides greater energy and better ability to shut down the spaces.”

This led to them to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he would have been asked to track the runs of Mbappe in possession and found openings, connecting with him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barca's task tough.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by the passionate Madrid fans.

But there have been countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid might think about selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

The winger will have a year left under his current terms come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

Balague noted, He will face backlash for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you feel close to being number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, this outing represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players including the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

Balague commented, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. Yamal appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues