Madrid beats Barcelona 2-1 in thrilling El Clasico clash

Real Madrid claimed a crucial 2–1 win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, moving clear at the top of La Liga.

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Madrid just before the half-hour mark with a precise low strike from distance. Barcelona hit back in the 38th minute when Fermín López punished a defensive lapse to level the score.

However, Jude Bellingham restored Madrid’s lead shortly before half-time, tapping home from close range after sustained pressure from the hosts.

Despite Barcelona’s efforts to find an equaliser in the second half, Carlo Ancelotti’s side held firm to secure all three points in a thrilling El Clásico encounter.

The second half produced more controversy and big moments.

Referee César Soto Grado awarded Madrid a penalty just after the hour mark for an incident in the box, but Wojciech Szczesny produced a superb save to deny Mbappé from the spot and keep Barcelona in the contest.

Later, Madrid thought they had scored from a Brahim–Bellingham combination, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

The game boiled over in stoppage time when Barcelona’s Pedri received a second yellow card for an overrun challenge on Tchouameni and was sent off, leaving Barcelona to finish the match with 10 men.

In the dying moments, Madrid’s Rodrygo whipped a free-kick at goal, but Szczesny was equal to it, preserving Madrid’s slender lead.

The result ends Barcelona’s stubborn resistance at the Bernabéu. For Madrid, the win halts a four-game losing streak against their Catalan rivals.