Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over arch-rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, climbing to the top of the La Liga table.
Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham were on target for Los Blancos, while Fermín López scored Barcelona’s only goal in an intense El Clásico encounter.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a precise low strike from distance, giving Madrid the early advantage. Barcelona responded shortly after when Fermín capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the game in the 38th minute.
However, Jude Bellingham restored Madrid’s lead just before halftime, finishing from close range after sustained pressure from the hosts.
The second half saw more drama when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty after an incident in the box. Mbappé stepped up to take it, but Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny produced a brilliant save to deny him.
Madrid appeared to have extended their lead through Brahim Díaz and Bellingham, but the goal was overturned for offside following a VAR review.
Barcelona’s hopes of a comeback faded in stoppage time after Pedri received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Aurélien Tchouaméni, reducing the visitors to 10 men.
Rodrygo nearly added a third for Madrid in the dying moments with a powerful free-kick, but Szczesny once again came to Barcelona’s rescue.
The victory ended Real Madrid’s four-match losing streak against Barcelona and solidified their position at the top of the La Liga standings.
