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This proved to be nearly a flawless performance from the Madrid side, as they beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico to extend their lead at the summit of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham got his maiden league goal along with setup of the season following a difficult spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe showed his clinical touch in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby on the sidelines worked brilliantly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, Vinicius protested on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before marched down the tunnel, before returning to the bench after a short while.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their first La Liga encounter against Barca.

After the relaxed style from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, his structured approach produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barca didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”

This approach seems good news for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to do everything in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically Bellingham started wide right, however he was allowed to drift inward and either support Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and more ways to close down the channels.”

“That forced the team to deploy Jude wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.

Yet multiple numerous stories over the past period that the club would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

He has one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

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

Such thinking is hard to change, especially when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

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

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, softer to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue