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It was nearly a flawless performance from Real Madrid, as they overcame Barca two goals to one during El Clasico to increase their lead at the top in the domestic championship by five points.

The English midfielder got his inaugural league goal and key pass this term following a challenging few months coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe showed his lethal performance when scoring, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural derby as coach proved brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Unhappy at his substitution, Vinicius protested as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, then returning to the bench after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their initial La Liga encounter with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded a significant outcome.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and Barcelona didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he previously was essentially asked to do everything in the center and more.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he could to come inside and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

Balague added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings more dynamism and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result them to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet there have been various accounts over the past period that the club might think about letting him leave if the right offer was made.

The winger has one year remaining under his current terms when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him and rightly so, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you believe close to being the top star, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that the club is not defending him. There are stories, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – to him he says why always me?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display represented Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.

“Their stars did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues