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It was almost a flawless performance for Real Madrid, who defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one in the famous derby to extend the gap at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.

The English midfielder scored his first domestic strike and assist this term following a difficult few months healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward continued his deadly touch in attack, and the coach's game plan in his first derby in the dugout worked perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Frustrated with being substituted, the star forward ranted while walking straight past the coach and headed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's previous eight bosses lost their initial La Liga match against Barcelona.

After the player-focused approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well due to the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”

“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to drift inward and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and better ability to close down the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right flank. Certainly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”

He was told to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were countless reports lately that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game spoke of strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself near the top star, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge with the club and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, this outing highlighted their uncertain early form.

Fitness issues have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system isn't working in their absence.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. Lamine seems not he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue