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This proved to be almost a perfect day for the Madrid side, who defeated their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to extend their lead at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.

Bellingham notched his maiden domestic strike and setup of the season following a difficult period healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical form when scoring, while the coach's game plan in his first derby as coach proved like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Frustrated with being substituted, the star forward protested as he walked directly past the coach before stormed down the tunnel, before returning to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Yields Results from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight coaches were defeated in their first league match with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.

A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended in two layers separated by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Bellingham, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert added, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and more ways to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude wide right. I'm sure his role included to track Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out multiple times by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

However recently there were countless reports lately that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave if the right offer were to come in.

Vinicius has one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game indicated issues. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

Balague said, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is difficult to shake, especially when you feel on the verge of the best player, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept a bid of €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – to him he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning all four of recent derbies, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as the Brazilian winger, the striker and Olmo, and his system is not effective without them.

The expert said, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press opponents in possession as well as they should.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players weren't at their best. Yamal seems not he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems