Real Madrid has triumphed 2–1 over Barcelona in a gripping El Clásico clash at the Santiago Bernabéu, pulling clear at the top of La Liga and ending a four-game losing run against their fierce rivals.
Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a precise low strike from distance, giving Madrid the early advantage.
Barcelona responded swiftly, as Fermín López capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score in the 38th minute.
Just before halftime, Jude Bellingham restored Madrid’s lead, slotting home from close range after a sustained spell of pressure from Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
The second half was packed with drama and controversy. Madrid were awarded a penalty just past the hour mark, but Wojciech Szczesny came to Barcelona’s rescue, producing a brilliant save to deny Mbappé from the spot.
Minutes later, Madrid thought they had a third when Brahim Díaz teed up Bellingham, but VAR intervened to rule the goal out for offside.
Tensions flared in stoppage time when Pedri received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Aurélien Tchouaméni, reducing Barcelona to ten men.
In the final moments, Rodrygo forced another fine stop from Szczesny with a curling free-kick, but Madrid held on to claim a vital victory.
The win not only cements Madrid’s place at the summit of La Liga but also ends Barcelona’s resilient run at the Bernabéu in fittingly dramatic fashion.
