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This proved to be almost a flawless performance for Real Madrid, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one in the famous derby to extend the gap at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder notched his first domestic strike and setup this campaign after a challenging period healing from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe maintained his clinical performance when scoring, and the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Frustrated with coming off, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by his manager before stormed to the dressing room, then coming back on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Yields Success for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their debut league match against Barcelona.

Following the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, his structured approach delivered an important victory.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona struggled due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”

The new system seems good news for Jude, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and more.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides greater energy and more ways to close down the channels.”

This led to the team to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant was chanted repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple countless reports lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him if the right offer were to come in.

He will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated 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.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you feel near the top star, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he says why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge with the club and the player currently.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach isn't working in their absence.

The analyst commented, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

The young talent, the main threat earlier, was kept largely in check.

The big names were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of groin problems