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It was practically an ideal performance for Real Madrid, who overcame their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico and increase their advantage at the summit of La Liga by five points.

The English midfielder scored his maiden league goal and assist this term following a tough period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe continued his deadly touch in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first Clasico as coach proved perfectly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront another time.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained on his way directly past the coach and marched down the tunnel, then coming back on the sidelines later.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, considering seven of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their debut league meeting against their rivals.

After the relaxed approach from the previous coach fell short in the previous campaign, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side performed excellently, and Barca struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. Barca were unable to break through.”

The new system seems positive for Jude, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.

In the lineup the young star played on the right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides greater energy and better ability to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to deploy Jude on the right flank. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning in possession and found openings, connecting with him on several occasions.”

He was told to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make the opponent's play tough.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

It's clear that supporters adore Vinicius, his chant was chanted repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

Yet recently there were various accounts in recent months that the club would consider allowing his departure if an attractive proposal were to come in.

He has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.

The player's reaction after coming off late in the game suggested strained relations. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you believe near the best player, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he believes that the organization isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile between the club and the player at the moment.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

After winning each of the recent Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective when they are missing.

Balague stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. When the backline is not perfect, which was the case Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, they receive little support from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”

The young talent, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues