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It was almost a flawless outing from Real Madrid, as they defeated Barca 2-1 in the famous derby to stretch their advantage at the summit in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham scored his first goal in the league and key pass this term after a challenging spell recovering from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal touch in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby in the dugout worked like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Frustrated with coming off, Vinicius ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before headed to the dressing room, before coming back to the substitute area after a short while.

Tactical Setup Yields Success for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's recent managers were defeated in their first La Liga encounter against their rivals.

After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, while the visitors were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change seems positive for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, Employing Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and better ability to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he would have been asked to track Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet there have been various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half suggested tension. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement who came on for him.”

However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself near the best player, but the team drives the axis to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he believes that the club is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he says why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have robbed the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster appears he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues