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The match represented practically a perfect day for the Madrid side, who defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to increase the gap at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his maiden goal in the league and key pass this campaign following a tough spell recovering from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first Clasico as coach worked brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated at being substituted, the star forward protested while walking straight past Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, before coming back to the bench after a short while.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's recent managers lost their initial league meeting against their rivals.

After the relaxed style under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system yielded a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by a short distance. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be good news for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

On paper the young star played on the right, however he could to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The analyst added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings increased movement and more ways to close down the channels.”

“That forced them to position Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

He was told to get into the box and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and cause the opponent's play challenging.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius has one year remaining under his current terms at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and justifiably, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been amid adversity, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you feel near the best player, then the club drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he has perceived that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of €250 million for him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

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

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Following victories in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Absences have deprived the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing without them.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender kept him onside, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was neutralized.

“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, maybe due to groin problems