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This proved to be practically a flawless day for Real Madrid, who overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and increase the gap at the summit of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his maiden goal in the league along with assist this campaign following a challenging spell coming back from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his clinical performance in attack, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Frustrated with coming off, the star forward ranted as he walked directly past his manager before headed down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's recent managers were defeated in their first La Liga meeting against their rivals.

Following the relaxed approach under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, his structured approach delivered its first major result.

Spanish football analyst observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, and Barcelona struggled because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated with discipline, everybody including Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to move centrally and link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The analyst added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and better ability to close down the spaces.”

“That forced them to position Bellingham wide right. I'm sure his role included to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to enter the area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels and cause Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him rang out multiple times by the passionate home supporters.

But there have been various accounts lately that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

He has a year left under his current terms when this term concludes, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

His response after coming off in the second half spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

Balague noted, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, particularly since you feel close to being the top star, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he's felt that the club has not supported 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 let him go.”

This affects him, so when he was taken off – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations among the parties and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning all four of previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain early form.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach isn't working without them.

Balague commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates failing to press the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. Yamal appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues