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It was practically a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barca 2-1 in the famous derby and stretch their advantage at the summit in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural domestic strike along with setup this term following a difficult few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly performance in attack, and the manager's strategy in his first derby in the dugout worked like a charm.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy at being substituted, the star forward complained while walking right by Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel, before reappearing to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their first La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the relaxed style under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

An expert noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid were impressive, and the visitors were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they fell back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

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

The tactical change seems good news for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

Theoretically Bellingham played on the right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides greater energy and more ways to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to block central spaces creating the opponent's play tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that the fans love Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by the passionate home supporters.

Yet multiple countless reports lately that the club would consider letting him leave if the right offer was made.

Vinicius will have a year left on his deal come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced with 20 minutes left indicated issues. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you believe near the best player, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and Vinicius at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

After winning all four of recent matches, Sunday's performance was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear lack sharpness defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat earlier, was neutralized.

The big names did not perform well. Yamal appears he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue