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This proved to be practically a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca two goals to one in the famous derby to increase the gap at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal and assist this campaign after a difficult few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch when scoring, while the coach's game plan during his debut derby on the sidelines functioned brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Unhappy at coming off, the star forward protested on his way straight past his manager before marched to the dressing room, then coming back to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's recent coaches lost their first league match with Barca.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while Barca struggled due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he could to come inside and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague stated, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, you get more dynamism and better ability to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet recently there were various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game indicated issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you feel close to being the top star, then the club shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million to sign him and let him go.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge among the parties and him at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the recent matches, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach isn't working without them.

Balague stated, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging those on the ball adequately.”

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

The big names did not perform well. Yamal appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues