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This proved to be nearly an ideal day from Real Madrid, who defeated Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to stretch their lead at the summit of La Liga by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural league goal along with key pass this term following a difficult spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe continued his deadly performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout functioned perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, Vinicius ranted as he walked right by Xabi Alonso before marched down the tunnel, before coming back to the bench after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, especially since seven of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their debut league encounter against Barcelona.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

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

The new system appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, as he previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and more.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and more ways to block the channels.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he found him on several occasions.”

He was told to enter the area and position himself near just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant were sung multiple times by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

But multiple countless reports over the past period that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer arrived.

Vinicius has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

His response after coming off late in the game suggested issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you believe near the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, this outing represented Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case the first goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging those on the ball as well as they should.”

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

“Their stars were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue