Jude Bellingham’s decisive goal helped Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 2-1 in a tense El Clásico on Sunday, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to five points.
Barcelona had beaten Madrid in all four meetings last season, but new Los Blancos coach Xabi Alonso ended that streak in his first Clásico in charge. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Madrid before later missing a penalty, while Fermin López briefly levelled for Barcelona. Bellingham struck again before half-time to restore Madrid’s lead, which ultimately proved enough.
Barcelona finished with 10 men after Pedri was sent off late on for a second yellow card as tempers flared in the capital.
The victory means Madrid have now won nine of their first 10 league games, showcasing their ability to deliver on big occasions after September’s derby defeat to Atletico Madrid.
With head coach Hansi Flick suspended, assistant Marcus Sorg took charge of Barcelona from the sidelines. The Catalans were missing key players including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, while an unfit Lamine Yamal still started. His comments earlier in the week accusing Madrid of “stealing” and “complaining” earned him loud boos from home fans before kick-off.
Barcelona controlled possession early on, but Madrid created the better chances. An initial penalty awarded for a challenge by Yamal on Vinicius Junior was overturned by VAR. Soon after, a stunning strike by Mbappé was ruled out for a marginal offside.
Moments later, brilliant link-up play from Bellingham sent Mbappé through to score his 11th league goal of the season. Barcelona equalised against the run of play when Marcus Rashford, making his first Clásico appearance, set up López to fire home in the 38th minute. Five minutes later, Bellingham reacted quickest to a headed pass from Eder Militao to put Madrid back in front before half-time.
Early in the second half, Mbappé saw a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczęsny after Eric Garcia was penalised for handball. Madrid continued to look dangerous, while Barcelona struggled to threaten despite chasing the game.
With limited attacking options, Barcelona pushed defender Ronald Araújo forward in stoppage time, but Madrid held firm. In the dying seconds, Pedri received a second yellow card for a late tackle on Aurélien Tchouameni, sparking brief touchline tensions and post-match arguments between players.
