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It was almost a perfect performance for Real Madrid, who beat Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico to increase their advantage in first place in La Liga by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal along with assist this term after a challenging few months recovering from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe maintained his lethal form in front of goal, while the manager's strategy during his debut derby as coach worked perfectly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.

Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius protested while walking straight past Xabi Alonso and headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the bench later.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's previous eight managers lost their initial La Liga meeting with their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pushed up consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach looks to be positive for Jude, who previously had been tasked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

In the lineup Bellingham started wide right, however he was allowed to come inside and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, Employing Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to position Jude wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barca's task challenging.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave if the right offer was made.

Vinicius will have one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert commented, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you feel on the verge of the top star, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid a quarter-billion euros to sign him and sell him.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – to him he says why single me out?’.”

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

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

After winning each of the recent derbies, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, the striker and Dani Olmo, and his system is not effective in their absence.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the first goal since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support by teammates not challenging those on the ball as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. The youngster appears he's in good form, possibly because of injury issues