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This proved to be nearly a flawless outing for Real Madrid, who overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 in the famous derby and extend the gap at the summit of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his first goal in the league along with assist of the season following a tough period healing from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe showed his clinical form when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

But then the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront yet again.

Frustrated at being substituted, Vinicius complained as he walked right by the coach and headed down the tunnel, then coming back to the bench several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes from the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering the majority of Madrid's recent bosses were defeated in their debut league match against Barcelona.

Following the player-focused method from the previous coach fell short earlier, his structured approach produced a significant outcome.

An expert observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to come inside and either link with Mbappe or get into scoring positions.

The expert added, With the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings increased movement and better ability to block the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to position Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to track Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, connecting with him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to enter the area and position himself near the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, his name rang out repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

But there have been countless reports lately that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.

He has a year left on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game suggested strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

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

“That mentality is tough to overcome, especially when you believe on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of €250 million for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and the player at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning all four of last season's Clasicos, the latest display highlighted their uncertain early form.

Absences have deprived the manager of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

The expert stated, The squad seems are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

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

Key players were below par. The youngster seems not in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue