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It was almost a flawless performance from the Madrid side, who beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and stretch the gap at the summit in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his maiden goal in the league along with assist of the season following a difficult spell recovering from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his clinical performance in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head another time.

Unhappy with being substituted, the Brazilian winger protested as he walked directly past his manager before headed to the dressing room, then returning on the sidelines several minutes.

Manager's Approach Yields Positive Outcomes for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's recent bosses were defeated in their first La Liga meeting against Barca.

After the player-focused style from the previous coach did not deliver last season, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, His plan was perfect. Madrid were very good, while Barcelona struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they retreated in a structured manner, all players even the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system seems positive for Jude, who previously was essentially asked to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, With Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and more ways to close down the spaces.”

This led to the team to deploy Jude on the right-hand side. I'm sure he was instructed to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession and had space, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, calls for him rang out on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However recently there were numerous stories over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal was made.

He has one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

His response to being replaced late in the game indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute taking his place.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you believe close to being the top star, but the team redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid 250m euros to sign him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

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

Their System “Struggles”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have robbed the manager of key players including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The analyst commented, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, like on the first goal since the defender kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat earlier, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of injury issues