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The match represented almost a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby to extend their lead at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural league goal along with assist of the season following a challenging few months recovering from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal performance in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby on the sidelines worked perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Unhappy with being substituted, the star forward ranted as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's recent managers lost their initial league meeting against Barca.

After the laissez-faire style of Carlo Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, and if they were beaten, they retreated in an organised way, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by a short distance. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The new system seems positive for Bellingham, who last season was expected to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst stated, With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides greater energy and additional options to close down the spaces.”

This led to them to position Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by the passionate Madrid fans.

However recently there were countless reports over the past period that the club would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

He will have a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game indicated issues. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship toward his replacement taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel near number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and Vinicius now.”

Their System “Struggles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's derbies, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach isn't working without them.

Balague said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging opponents in possession adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was neutralized.

The big names were below par. Yamal seems not he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues