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The match represented nearly a perfect outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barca 2-1 in the famous derby to increase their lead at the top in the Spanish league by five points.

Bellingham scored his inaugural domestic strike and key pass of the season following a difficult period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe maintained his deadly form in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout worked brilliantly.

But then the Brazilian's situation reared its head yet again.

Unhappy with his substitution, Vinicius ranted as he walked right by Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches were defeated in their first league match against their rivals.

After the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

An expert commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were very good, and Barcelona didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for the midfielder, who last season was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, you get increased movement and more ways to close down the channels.”

“That forced them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Undoubtedly he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he located him repeatedly.”

He was told to get into the box and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause the opponent's play tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were countless reports lately that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer was made.

The winger has a year left on his deal at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, He will face backlash for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel close to being the best player, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for him and let him go.”

This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as he should – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's derbies, the latest display represented their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is failing without them.

The analyst said, The squad seems are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. When the backline is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

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