Real Madrid edge Barcelona 2–1 in thrilling El Clásico showdown

Real Madrid claimed a dramatic 2–1 victory over Barcelona in a pulsating El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, moving five points clear at the top of La Liga. 

Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham in the first half sealed a crucial win for Xabi Alonso’s side, while Fermín López struck for Barcelona in a fiercely contested encounter that had everything: goals, tension, and controversy.

Under the Bernabéu lights, the atmosphere was electric from the first whistle. Madrid struck first in the 22nd minute when Bellingham’s clever through ball found Mbappé, who coolly slotted home to give the hosts an early lead. 

Barcelona responded with determination, and their pressure paid off when Marcus Rashford set up López, who leveled the score with a sharp finish in the 38th minute. However, just before half-time, Madrid regained the advantage as Éder Militão headed down a cross for Bellingham to convert, sending the home crowd into raptures.

The second half was a cagey affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. Barcelona pushed hard for an equaliser, with Lamine Yamal and Jules Koundé both missing opportunities late in the game. 

Real Madrid, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter, with Mbappé nearly adding a third but firing narrowly wide. Alonso’s tactical discipline kept his side compact as Madrid sought to preserve their slender lead.

As the clock ticked down, tempers flared. In stoppage time, Pedri received a second yellow card for a reckless tackle on Aurélien Tchouaméni, leaving Barcelona with ten men. 

The dismissal sparked heated confrontations on the touchline, with stewards stepping in to separate players and staff as emotions boiled over. Madrid’s Andrii Lunin was also booked amid the chaos as the tension reached its peak in the closing moments.

After the final whistle, Madrid’s players celebrated passionately in the centre of the pitch as Alonso marked his first El Clásico victory as Real manager.