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This proved to be practically a perfect performance for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby and stretch the gap at the top in the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural goal in the league and key pass of the season after a tough spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his deadly form when scoring, while the manager's strategy in his first derby on the sidelines worked perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Frustrated at his substitution, Vinicius protested on his way directly past his manager and headed down the tunnel, then coming back to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Delivers Success for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, considering seven of Real's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial league match with Barcelona.

After the relaxed approach under Ancelotti fell short earlier, the new tactical system produced its first major result.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, and Barca struggled due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

“They defended in two lines spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system seems positive for the midfielder, as he in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst continued, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, you get increased movement and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

As a result the team to position Bellingham wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements in possession with room, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to enter the area and position himself near the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options creating Barca's task tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

It's clear that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his chant were sung multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

However recently there were numerous stories over the past period that the club could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.

Vinicius has a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted in the second half suggested tension. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront the Barcelona player.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself near number one in the world, and the organization shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth €250 million for him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations between the club and Vinicius currently.”

Barcelona Style “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the approach isn't working without them.

The expert said, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, as it wasn't the first goal since the defender failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. Lamine appears in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue