Jude Bellingham was the star of the show as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona in a thrilling El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabéu, scoring and assisting in La Liga for the first time this season.
The England international opened up Barcelona’s defence with a brilliant through ball for Kylian Mbappé to score in the 22nd minute. Although Fermin Lopez levelled the game shortly after, Bellingham restored Madrid’s lead before halftime with a simple tap-in — his fourth goal in five El Clasico appearances.
The result moves Xabi Alonso’s side five points clear at the top of La Liga, as tempers flared towards the end with clashes on the touchline and a late red card for Barcelona’s Pedri.
Real, who lost all four Clasicos last season, came out aggressive from the start, pressing high and exploiting Barca’s defensive gaps. Vinicius Jr thought he’d won a penalty in the opening minutes, but VAR overturned the decision after replays showed minimal contact.
Mbappé also had a stunning volley ruled out for offside, before finally breaking the deadlock from Bellingham’s precise assist. However, Barcelona hit back through a quick counterattack, with Marcus Rashford setting up Fermin for the equaliser.
Just before the break, Real struck again. After a scrappy play in Barca’s box, the ball fell kindly for Bellingham to slot home unmarked at the back post — though the visitors protested that Pau Cubarsí had been fouled in the build-up.
The second half continued in chaotic fashion. VAR awarded Madrid a controversial penalty after the ball deflected off Eric Garcia’s hand, but Mbappé’s effort was superbly saved by Szczęsny. Madrid thought they’d sealed the game when Bellingham set up another chance finished by Brahim Diaz, only for the flag to go up once more.
Barcelona offered little going forward after the break, and frustration boiled over late in stoppage time when Pedri was sent off for a rash tackle on Aurélien Tchouaméni.
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For Madrid, though, this was a statement win. After returning from shoulder surgery and going six games without a goal or assist, Bellingham silenced any doubts about his form. His composure, vision, and timing were on full display — looking once again like the dominant force that took La Liga by storm last season.
While Alonso’s debut Clasico victory was nearly perfect, it wasn’t without drama — especially with Vinicius Jr visibly angry after being substituted in the 72nd minute.
Still, one thing was clear: Bellingham and Real Madrid have their swagger back.
