Jude Bellingham’s decisive goal helped Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 2–1 in a tense El Clasico on Sunday, moving five points clear of their fierce rivals at the top of La Liga.
Barcelona, who triumphed in all four meetings between the sides last season, saw their run ended as Xabi Alonso claimed victory in his first Clasico as Real Madrid manager.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Madrid but later missed a penalty. Fermin Lopez equalised for Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu before Bellingham restored Madrid’s lead before half-time — a strike that ultimately sealed the win.
Barcelona’s playmaker Pedri was sent off late in the game for a second yellow card as tempers flared in the Spanish capital.
The result marked Madrid’s ninth win in ten league matches, underlining Alonso’s impact and proving his side’s ability to deliver in high-pressure fixtures following their derby loss to Atletico Madrid in September.
With head coach Hansi Flick serving a suspension after a red card last weekend, assistant Marcus Sorg took charge of Barcelona from the touchline. The Catalans were missing several key players, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo, while Lamine Yamal — still recovering from a groin injury — started despite not being fully fit.
Yamal had stirred controversy earlier in the week by claiming Los Blancos “steal” and “complain”, earning loud jeers from Madrid fans when his name was announced before kick-off.
Barcelona dominated possession early on but struggled to create clear chances, while Madrid looked more dangerous on the counter. The hosts were initially awarded a penalty when Yamal appeared to trip Vinícius Júnior, but VAR overturned the decision after replays showed the Brazilian had initiated the contact.
Madrid fans’ frustration deepened when Mbappé’s long-range strike was disallowed for a marginal offside. Moments later, however, the Frenchman converted his 11th league goal of the season after excellent build-up play from Bellingham.
Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny produced key saves to deny Dean Huijsen, Vinícius, and Bellingham, but Barcelona struck back against the run of play. Arda Güler lost possession near his own box, allowing Marcus Rashford to cross for Fermin Lopez, who smashed home the equaliser in the 38th minute.
Madrid regained the lead five minutes later. Eder Militao headed Vinícius’s cross into Bellingham’s path, and the England international calmly tapped in from close range — his first goal at the Bernabéu since April.
Madrid had the chance to extend their advantage early in the second half, but Szczęsny brilliantly saved Mbappé’s penalty after Eric García was penalised for handball.
Yamal, increasingly frustrated, fired wildly over the bar as Madrid’s defence held firm. Despite Barcelona’s need for a late equaliser, Madrid looked the more dangerous side, introducing Rodrygo and Brahim Díaz to maintain control.
In a desperate move, Sorg pushed defender Ronald Araújo forward during nine minutes of stoppage time, but the centre-back failed to trouble Thibaut Courtois.
Pedri received a second yellow card in the dying moments for a reckless challenge on Aurélien Tchouaméni, sparking a brief touchline scuffle and heated exchanges after the final whistle.
With the victory, Real Madrid strengthened their position at the summit of La Liga and sent a clear message to their rivals: under Alonso, Los Blancos remain the team to beat.