Sports
El Clasico: Bellingham, Mbappé combine to power Madrid to 2-1 win over Barcelona
Jude Bellingham delivered a masterclass performance as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in a tense and fiery El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The England midfielder assisted Kylian Mbappe for the opening goal in the 22nd minute with a brilliant through pass and later restored Madrid’s lead in the 43rd minute after Fermin Lopez had equalised for Barcelona five minutes earlier.
The victory, led by Xabi Alonso’s men, moved Real Madrid five points clear at the top of La Liga, marking Bellingham’s fourth goal in five appearances against the Catalans.
The match ended with touchline altercations between both sides as tempers flared late on.
Real Madrid, who lost all four El Clasico meetings last season, started with intensity and looked to exploit Barcelona’s high defensive line.
An early penalty awarded to Vinicius Jr was overturned by VAR, which determined the Brazilian had initiated contact with Lamine Yamal.
Mbappe had a stunning volley disallowed for a narrow offside before finally converting from Bellingham’s defence-splitting pass.
Barcelona responded with a swift counter-attack, as Marcus Rashford set up Fermin for the equaliser.
However, Madrid regained the lead shortly after when Bellingham tapped in from close range following confusion in Barcelona’s box.
The second half saw more VAR drama after a controversial penalty was awarded against Eric Garcia for a handball, but Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny produced a superb save to deny Mbappe from the spot.
Madrid had two more goals ruled out for offside as they continued to dominate, while Barcelona struggled to trouble Thibaut Courtois in goal.
The match ended in chaos after Pedri was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time for a late challenge on Aurelien Tchouameni.
For Bellingham, who recently returned from shoulder surgery, the performance silenced doubts about his form.
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, the 22-year-old thrived in a more defined attacking role, showcasing the same energy and confidence that made him one of La Liga’s standout players last season.
The only downside for Madrid was Vinicius Jr’s visible frustration after being substituted in the 72nd minute, storming down the tunnel in protest.
Also Read: Brentford punish error-prone Liverpool in dramatic 3-2 EPL victory
Despite that, Real Madrid’s victory sent a strong message, the champions are back to their dominant best, with Bellingham once again at the heart of their success.
BBC.
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