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This proved to be nearly a flawless performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend their lead in first place in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his inaugural league goal and setup this campaign following a difficult few months coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly touch in attack, while the manager's strategy during his debut derby on the sidelines worked perfectly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Frustrated with being substituted, Vinicius complained as he walked right by Xabi Alonso and marched down the tunnel, before returning to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering seven of Madrid's previous eight managers lost their debut league match against Barcelona.

Following the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach yielded a significant outcome.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while Barcelona were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including the forward.”

“They defended in two lines spaced by five to 10 metres. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be positive for Jude, as he in the past was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and beyond.

On paper the young star started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and either assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

The expert stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get greater energy and additional options to block the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he located him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club could entertain letting him leave if the right offer was made.

Vinicius has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game suggested tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

The expert commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

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

This mindset is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself near the top star, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he has perceived that the organization is not defending him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks why always me?.”

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

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of recent derbies, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.

Balague stated, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, like on the first goal since the defender failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue