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It was almost an ideal day for Real Madrid, as they beat their arch-rivals two goals to one in El Clasico and increase their lead at the top of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his maiden domestic strike and assist this campaign following a difficult period healing from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe continued his deadly form in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned like a charm.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied at coming off, the star forward ranted while walking straight past his manager before marched off the pitch, then coming back to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Gets Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's previous eight bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga match against Barca.

Following the relaxed method under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.

Spanish football analyst commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barcelona struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

This approach seems good news for Bellingham, who previously had been tasked to do everything in the center and more.

On paper the young star started wide right, however he had the freedom to drift inward and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert continued, “By using Camavinga in the middle, it brings more dynamism and better ability to close down the channels.”

“That forced them to put Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, and he located him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him were sung repeatedly by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club would consider selling him should a suitable bid was made.

The winger will have one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, but negotiations for an extension have stalled.

The player's reaction when substituted late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid 250m euros for him and let him go.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as required – in his mind he questions why always me?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and the player now.”

Their System “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing without them.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues