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This proved to be nearly a flawless performance from the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona 2-1 in the famous derby to extend the gap at the top of the domestic championship to five points.

Bellingham notched his inaugural domestic strike and key pass this campaign after a tough spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his deadly touch in attack, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated with his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested on his way directly past Xabi Alonso and headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their debut La Liga match against their rivals.

After the laissez-faire method from the previous coach did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, while Barca were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks with a gap of 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system seems beneficial for the midfielder, as he in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and more.

In the lineup the young star started wide right, however he was allowed to move centrally and support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague continued, With the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning in possession and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted repeatedly by the passionate Madrid fans.

But recently there were countless reports in recent months that the club would consider selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

The winger has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

Balague commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe close to being number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Injuries have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

Balague said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

Key players weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues