Jude Bellingham Inspires Real Madrid to El Clásico Victory Over Barcelona

Jude Bellingham’s decisive goal helped Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 2–1 in a tense El Clásico on Sunday, moving five points clear of their arch-rivals at the top of La Liga.

Champions Barcelona had won all four meetings between the sides last season, but in his first Clásico as Real Madrid head coach, Xabi Alonso ended that run. Kylian Mbappé, who later missed a penalty, opened the scoring for Madrid before Fermin López levelled for the visitors at the Santiago Bernabéu. However, Bellingham struck again before half-time to restore Madrid’s lead — one they held onto until the final whistle.

Barcelona’s evening worsened late on when Pedri was sent off for a second yellow card as tempers flared in the Spanish capital.

Madrid’s victory means they have now won nine of their opening ten league fixtures, and Alonso’s side once again proved they can deliver on the biggest stage, recovering strongly from September’s derby defeat to Atlético Madrid.

“We did what we had to do — we followed the game plan,” said Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni.

“Against Atlético we didn’t play the way we wanted, but today we had another chance to show what we’re capable of. We must continue like this.”

Barcelona Missing Key Players

Barça were managed from the touchline by assistant coach Marcus Sorg, with Hansi Flick serving a suspension following a red card in last weekend’s narrow win over Girona.

“The season is long — there are 28 more games to play, and we’re not worried about the situation,” said Sorg.

Barcelona were without several regular starters, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, while teenager Lamine Yamal returned to the starting line-up but looked far from full fitness after recovering from a groin injury.

The 17-year-old had stoked controversy in the build-up to the match by accusing Madrid of “stealing” and “complaining”, earning loud jeers from the home supporters when his name was read out before kick-off.

Mbappé Opens the Scoring as Bellingham Shines

Barcelona enjoyed more of the possession early on, though it was largely ineffective as Madrid created the clearer chances.

The hosts were initially awarded a penalty when Yamal appeared to foul Vinícius Júnior, but VAR overturned the decision after replays showed the Brazilian had initiated the contact.

Madrid’s frustration grew when Mbappé’s long-range strike was ruled out for a marginal offside, but moments later, he found the net for real.

A brilliant move from Bellingham sent the French forward through on goal, and Mbappé coolly finished low past Wojciech Szczęsny for his 11th league goal of the season.

Madrid continued to dominate, with Bellingham, Fede Valverde, and Vinícius all going close before Barcelona found an equaliser against the run of play.

Arda Güler lost possession near his own box, allowing Marcus Rashford, making his first Clásico appearance, to cross for López to smash home in the 38th minute.

Bellingham Restores Madrid’s Lead Before the Break

Madrid quickly hit back five minutes later. Bellingham, who had scored his first Bernabéu goal since April in midweek against Juventus, tapped home from close range after Éder Militão headed Vinícius’s cross back into his path.

Madrid should have extended their lead early in the second half, but Szczęsny denied Mbappé from the penalty spot after Eric García was penalised for handball.

Barcelona struggled to threaten thereafter. A frustrated Yamal sent a long-range effort high over the bar, while Madrid managed the game expertly, restricting their opponents to few chances.

In the closing stages, Madrid looked the more likely to score again, with Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Díaz introduced to add fresh energy, while Barcelona’s options in attack remained limited.

Sorg pushed defender Ronald Araújo up front during nine minutes of stoppage time — just as he had done successfully against Girona — but this time, the makeshift striker could not trouble Thibaut Courtois.

Tensions boiled over in the dying seconds as Pedri was dismissed for a late challenge on Tchouaméni, sparking a brief confrontation between both benches. Players from both sides exchanged heated words at full-time, reflecting the intensity of another dramatic Clásico in Madrid.