Mbappé, Bellingham seal El Clásico triumph as Madrid extend lead over Barcelona

Real Madrid claimed bragging rights in Sunday’s fiery El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, defeating Barcelona 2–1 to move five points clear at the summit of La Liga.

Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham ensured victory for Xabi Alonso’s men, who continue their strong start to the campaign, winning nine of their opening ten league fixtures.

The result marked a statement performance from Alonso, taking charge of his first Clásico, and ended Barcelona’s streak of four straight wins over their eternal rivals last season.

Mbappé opened the scoring midway through the first half, finishing calmly after a brilliant assist from Bellingham sliced open Barcelona’s defence.

The French forward currently the league’s top scorer, registered his 11th goal of the season with a precise low drive past Wojciech Szczęsny.

Barcelona, led on the sidelines by assistant coach Marcus Sorg in the absence of suspended Hansi Flick, found an equaliser in the 38th minute.

A misplaced pass from Arda Güler gifted possession to the Catalans, and debutant Marcus Rashford whipped in a cross for Fermín López to hammer home.

However, Madrid responded swiftly. Just five minutes later, Bellingham restored Los Blancos’ advantage, tapping in from close range after Éder Militão nodded Vinícius Júnior’s cross into his path.

It was the English midfielder’s second goal of the week, his first at the Bernabéu since April and it proved to be the match-winner.

Real Madrid were handed a golden opportunity to extend their lead early in the second half after Eric García was penalised for handball.

But Mbappé saw his penalty well saved by Szczęsny, keeping Barcelona’s hopes alive.

Frustration began to show for the visitors as teenage winger Lamine Yamal, who had stirred controversy before the match by accusing Madrid of “stealing and complaining,” struggled to make an impact and skied a long-range effort high over the bar.

As time ticked away, Alonso’s side maintained composure and continued to threaten through Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Díaz, who came on to strengthen Madrid’s attack.

Sorg attempted a desperate reshuffle, sending defender Ronald Araújo forward in the dying minutes just as he had scored a late winner against Girona, but this time Thibaut Courtois stood firm between the posts.

Barcelona’s evening ended on a sour note when Pedri was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card following a late challenge on Aurélien Tchouaméni.

The dismissal sparked brief scuffles between players from both sides as tempers flared in the closing moments.

When the final whistle blew, Real Madrid players celebrated jubilantly in front of their home crowd, while Barcelona’s depleted squad trudged off, having failed to capitalise on their possession dominance.

Sunday’s win underlined the progress made under Alonso, whose side have now bounced back impressively from their derby defeat to Atlético Madrid in September.

With nine wins from ten league matches, Real Madrid appear rejuvenated under the former midfield maestro’s guidance blending Mbappé’s lethal finishing with Bellingham’s composure and drive.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s injury list continues to trouble them. The absence of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo was keenly felt, and although Yamal returned from a groin injury to start, he looked far from his sharpest.

The victory leaves Real Madrid five points clear at the top of the La Liga standings, cementing their position as early title favourites.

Barcelona, on the other hand, will regroup after a bruising defeat that highlighted both their attacking struggles and disciplinary lapses.

“We showed tonight that this team can rise to the occasion,” Alonso said post-match. “It’s a proud day for our players and supporters.”

Madrid now turn their attention to next weekend’s league fixture, while Barcelona look to bounce back and regain momentum as the title race gathers pace.