Madrid, Spain—October 26, 2025
In one of the most electrifying El Clásico encounters in recent memory, Real Madrid edged past Barcelona 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé sealing the win. The result extends Madrid’s lead at the top of La Liga to five points and marks their ninth consecutive home league victory—an achievement unmatched in over a decade.
The match had everything: overturned penalties, offside drama, end-to-end action, and moments of individual brilliance. For Madrid, it was sweet revenge after four consecutive Clásico defeats last season.
“We showed character and hunger,” said Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who became only the second manager in the club’s last eight appointments to avoid defeat in his first league Clásico.
⚽ Mbappé and Bellingham Deliver
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing coolly after a slick pass from Bellingham. It was his 12th goal in nine games against Barcelona, underlining his status as a big-game player.
Barcelona equalized through Fermín López, who capitalized on a defensive error to slot home in the 31st minute. But parity lasted just five minutes. Vinicius Jr. delivered a looping cross to the back post, where Eder Militão cushioned the ball for Bellingham to tuck in Madrid’s second.
“Jude is a monster,” Alonso said. “He’s decisive in every phase of the game.”
🧠 Tactical Battle
Madrid started aggressively, pressing high and forcing errors. Barcelona, missing key players like Pedri and Raphinha, struggled to cope with Madrid’s intensity. The midfield trio of Camavinga, Valverde, and Bellingham dominated possession and transitions.
VAR played a role early on, overturning a penalty awarded to Madrid after Lamine Yamal collided with Vinicius. Later, Mbappé had a goal disallowed for offside, and Bellingham’s second was also ruled out due to an offside assist from Brahim Díaz.
🟥 Late Drama
Barcelona’s hopes of a late equalizer were dashed when Pedri received a second yellow card in stoppage time. The sending-off capped a frustrating night for Hansi Flick’s side, who now trail Madrid by five points.
Madrid’s defense held firm, with Wojciech Szczęsny making a crucial penalty save from Mbappé earlier in the second half after Eric García was penalized for handball.
📊 Match Stats
Possession: Real Madrid 54% – Barcelona 46%
Shots on target: Madrid 7 – Barcelona 3
Pass accuracy: Madrid 89% – Barcelona 85%
Man of the Match: Jude Bellingham
🔮 What’s Next?
Real Madrid faces Valencia next, while Barcelona hosts Elche. With momentum on their side, Madrid look poised to extend their lead and push for a dominant title run.
For Barcelona, questions remain about their defensive structure and reliance on individual brilliance. Flick will need to regroup quickly as the pressure mounts.
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