In the first El Clásico of the 2025-26 La Liga season, Real Madrid edged Barcelona 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, halting the Catalans’ unbeaten run and tightening their grip on the league’s top spot.
From the outset, Madrid played with energy and precision. After a potential early penalty was overturned by VAR, Jude Bellingham split the Barcelona defence with a perfect through-ball for Kylian Mbappé, who finished coolly in the 22nd minute to open the scoring. Barcelona responded just before the break, when Fermín López capitalised on a misplaced pass from Arda Güler to slot home the equaliser.
Madrid quickly restored their lead as Éder Militão’s powerful header across goal found Bellingham, who tapped in from close range. The English midfielder became the youngest Madrid player to both score and assist in an El Clásico—an achievement that underlines his growing influence.
The second half brought drama and tension. Madrid were awarded a penalty after a handball, but Wojciech Szczęsny’s brilliant save denied Mbappé a second goal. Barcelona’s hopes faded in stoppage time when Pedri received a second yellow card, reducing them to ten men.
Statistically, the win marked Madrid’s ninth consecutive La Liga home victory, extending their lead at the top to five points. Mbappé’s goal also made him one of the few players to score in four straight El Clásicos, joining elite company alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
With this decisive performance, Real Madrid reaffirmed their dominance in Spanish football and sent a clear message in the title race ahead.
