LaLiga: Real Madrid Edges Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico Thriller

Mbappe and Bellingham shine as Real Madrid beats Barcelona

Real Madrid defeats FC Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico, extending lead at top of La Liga table. Kylian Mbappe and Bellingham score crucial goals for Los Blancos.

Barcelona pushed hard for an equalizer, but their high defensive line left them vulnerable to a counter-attack...

Real Madrid edged out Barcelona in a thrilling El Clasico, winning 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe scored for Los Blancos, securing a crucial victory that extends their lead at the top of the LaLiga table to five points.

The win marked a significant bounce-back for Real Madrid, who were thrashed 5-2 by Atletico Madrid earlier in the season. However, they bounced back with four successive wins in all competitions, and their momentum was evident in the opening stages of the match.

Bellingham and Mbappe's goals proved decisive, as Real Madrid held off a strong Barcelona challenge to claim all three points. The victory cements Real's position at the top of the LaLiga table, while Barcelona will be disappointed to fall further behind their rivals.

The match got off to a dramatic start, with referee Cesar Soto Grado initially awarding a penalty to Real Madrid after Lamine Yamal was deemed to have fouled Vinicius Junior. However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

Just 12 minutes into the game, Kylian Mbappe showcased his skill with a magnificent strike from distance, beautifully volleying a bouncing ball with a dipping finish. Unfortunately for Real Madrid, Mbappe's goal was ruled out for a hair's breadth offside, leaving the match still in the balance.

Real Madrid was determined to bounce back from last season's four El Clasico defeats, and their persistence paid off in the 22nd minute. Jude Bellingham's clever play created space for Kylian Mbappe, who capitalized on the opportunity with a clinical finish, scoring his 12th goal in nine games against Barcelona.

Barcelona, who have conceded the opening goal in five of their last 10 league matches, found themselves in familiar territory. However, they responded well, equalizing through Fermin Lopez's first-time finish after Arda Guler lost possession deep in his own half.

The equalizer brought Barcelona temporary respite, but it was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Real Madrid regained the lead, with Vinicius Junior's strong run ending in a precise cross to the back post, where Eder Militao's clever touch allowed Jude Bellingham to score.

As the first half drew to a close, the drama continued, with Kylian Mbappe appearing to score from an offside position in a scrappy passage of play. The goal was not given, and the half ended with Real Madrid holding a 2-1 lead.

FT: #ELCLÁSICO 2-1

📈 Real Madrid win to go FIVE points clear at the top of #LALIGAEASPORTS! pic.twitter.com/8d4mREpnQa

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) October 26, 2025

The drama didn't let up after the half-time break. In the post-restart period, Wojciech Szczesny made a crucial save from the spot, guessing correctly to deny Kylian Mbappe after Eric Garcia was judged to have handled in the box.

Barcelona pushed hard for an equalizer, but their high defensive line left them vulnerable to a counter-attack. Real Madrid almost scored again, but yet another potential goal was ruled out for offside when Brahim Diaz's low shot was flagged offside.

As the match wore on, Real Madrid took control, slowing the tempo to protect their lead. The visitors had a chance to snatch a point, but it was squandered when Jules Kounde's poor chest control ruined the opportunity.

The match ended on a dramatic note, with Barcelona reduced to 10 men in the final seconds after Pedri received his second yellow card.

The result was a notable achievement for Xabi Alonso, as Real Madrid's loss this season was limited to just one game, and he became the second manager in the club's last eight appointments to start with a win against Barcelona in the league. This ninth consecutive home league win marked Real's best run in over a decade. Meanwhile, Barcelona remained in the same position they started the day.