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It was nearly an ideal performance from the Madrid side, as they defeated Barca two goals to one in the Clasico to extend their lead at the top of La Liga by five points.

Bellingham got his maiden goal in the league and assist of the season following a tough spell recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his clinical touch when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his first El Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.

But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront once more.

Frustrated with being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso before stormed off the pitch, then reappearing to the substitute area later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Real's recent coaches were defeated in their first La Liga meeting with Barca.

Following the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short last season, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while the visitors were off-color due to Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

This approach seems positive for the midfielder, who in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, however he was allowed to drift inward and either link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get greater energy and better ability to close down the spaces.”

“That forced them to position Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name rang out multiple times by an enthusiastic home supporters.

Yet multiple numerous stories lately that the club might think about letting him leave if the right offer was made.

Vinicius has one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of tension. Post-game, he was held back as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert noted, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you believe close to being the top star, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, possibly leaked by the club, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he questions why always me?.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius now.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

After winning each of the last season's matches, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The expert commented, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down opponents in possession as expected.”

The young talent, the main threat in previous meetings, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. Lamine appears he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues