By Amofokhai Williams
Real Madrid triumphed 2-1 over arch-rivals Barcelona in a pulsating El Clasico clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, with Jude Bellingham’s strike sealing a dramatic win for Los Blancos in LaLiga.
The match, packed with intensity and controversy, saw Kylian Mbappé open the scoring for Madrid in the 22nd minute after a slick build-up, stabbing home from close range past Wojciech Szczęsny to give the hosts an early advantage.
Barcelona, undeterred, drew level in the 38th minute when Fermín López latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted past Thibaut Courtois, silencing the home crowd.
However, Real’s persistence paid off in the 43rd minute, when Eder Militão’s clever pass found Bellingham, who tapped into an empty net to make it 2-1, sending the Bernabéu into delirium.
Both teams traded attacking moves throughout a frenetic first half, with Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior missing clear chances to restore Madrid’s lead before the break.
The second half was defined by Madrid’s relentless pressure and Barcelona’s defensive resilience. Mbappé squandered a golden opportunity from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after a VAR review awarded Madrid a spot kick, but Szczęsny produced a superb save to deny him.
Barcelona’s frustration boiled over in stoppage time as Pedri received a second yellow card for a rash tackle, reducing the visitors to ten men. Tempers flared further as Madrid’s Eder Militão and even substitute Andriy Lunin were booked amid heated protests.
The result keeps Madrid’s title charge on track under Xabi Alonso.
