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The match represented practically a perfect outing from Real Madrid, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the Clasico to extend their lead in first place in the Spanish league to five points.

Bellingham notched his maiden league goal along with assist of the season following a challenging spell healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his lethal form when scoring, and the coach's game plan in his first Clasico in the dugout proved perfectly.

But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.

Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way straight past his manager and stormed off the pitch, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Success for Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Madrid's previous eight bosses lost their initial league match against Barcelona.

Following the player-focused style from the previous coach fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

A specialist commented, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were very good, and Barcelona struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended in two lines separated by a short distance. Barca could not find a way through.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to do everything in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to drift inward and either assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert added, With Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings greater energy and more ways to block the spaces.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly his role included to monitor the forward's positioning when he had the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make Barca's task challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant were sung repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

But recently there were numerous stories lately that the club might think about letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

Vinicius has one season to go under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

His response to being replaced late in the game indicated issues. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

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

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you believe close to being the top star, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that the organization isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of recent derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Injuries have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

The expert commented, The squad seems are slightly off when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

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

“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to a groin issue