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This proved to be almost a flawless performance for the Madrid side, who beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the famous derby and stretch the gap at the summit in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham got his maiden league goal along with key pass of the season following a challenging spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly touch in attack, while the manager's strategy in his first derby as coach worked like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, Vinicius protested as he walked directly past his manager before stormed down the tunnel, then coming back to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial league encounter against their rivals.

After the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system delivered an important victory.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were impressive, and Barca struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

This approach looks to be positive for the midfielder, who previously was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, however he could to come inside and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, Employing the French midfielder in the center, this provides increased movement and more ways to close down the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to put Jude wide right. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that supporters adore Vinicius, calls for him was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However multiple numerous stories lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him if an attractive proposal were to come in.

The winger will have one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game suggested tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague said, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you consider yourself near the top star, and the organization drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the club has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

After winning all four of recent derbies, this outing highlighted their uncertain start to the campaign.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

Balague stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster seems not he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue