Real Madrid solidified their position at the top of LaLiga with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Barcelona in a pulsating El Clásico on Sunday evening. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham were enough for Xabi Alonso’s side, who created the better chances and showed resilience despite missing a second-half penalty.
The match began at breakneck pace, with drama unfolding just minutes after kick-off. Vinícius Junior was brought down by Lamine Yamal inside the box, prompting referee Cesar Soto Grado to point to the spot only to overturn the decision after VAR showed the Brazilian had initiated the contact. It was a reprieve for Barcelona, but Real Madrid continued to press.
Mbappe thought he had given the hosts the lead in the 12th minute with a stunning volley, only for the flag to go up for offside. The Frenchman, however, wouldn’t be denied for long. In the 22nd minute, he latched onto an exquisite pass from Bellingham, stayed onside, and calmly finished into the far corner to make it 1–0.
Barcelona found a response in the 38th minute when Fermin López punished Arda Güler’s careless giveaway near his own area. Balde recovered possession, and Marcus Rashford’s cutback was swept home by López to restore parity.
Just before halftime, Madrid reclaimed their lead through Bellingham, who turned from provider to scorer. Eder Militao’s clever knockdown from Vinícius’s cross set up the England midfielder for a simple tap-in, giving the hosts a 2–1 advantage at the interval.
Early in the second half, VAR once again played a part as a handball in the box gave Madrid a penalty. Mbappe stepped up to double his tally, but Wojciech Szczesny produced a superb two-handed save to keep Barcelona in the contest. The visitors struggled to convert possession into clear chances, however, with Madrid’s midfield trio of Camavinga, Valverde, and Tchouameni dominating the duels.
Pedri’s late dismissal in stoppage time his second yellow for a reckless challenge on Tchouaméni effectively ended Barcelona’s hopes of a comeback. The closing moments were tense, with tempers flaring and both sides engaging in a brief confrontation, but Madrid’s defence held firm to secure three vital points.
Statistically, the Blancos’ superiority was clear. The result leaves Alonso’s men five points clear at the summit ahead of their next fixture against Valencia on November 1, while Barcelona remain second and will look to respond when they host Elche a day later.
