Real Madrid edged Barcelona 2–1 in a thrilling El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s decisive second-half strike that kept Los Blancos top of La Liga.
The reigning champions, unbeaten in the league, were tested early as Barcelona’s new signing Dani Olmo put the visitors ahead inside the first 10 minutes. Olmo’s composed finish from a slick move left the Bernabéu momentarily stunned, as Barça looked sharper in possession and intensity.
However, Real Madrid’s growing influence soon told. Vinícius Júnior, constantly threatening down the left, combined with Bellingham to force Marc-André ter Stegen into a string of saves. Their persistence paid off before halftime when Vini’s curling effort deflected past the Barça goalkeeper to level the score at 1–1.
The second half saw both sides create chances in a pulsating end-to-end contest. Barcelona, missing several key defenders through injury, began to tire under Madrid’s relentless pressure. Toni Kroos controlled the tempo, while Federico Valverde’s energy kept the Catalans pinned deep.
The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute. Luka Modrić, introduced off the bench, slipped a clever pass into Bellingham, who fired low into the bottom corner to send the home crowd into raptures. The Englishman’s goal — his sixth in La Liga this season — sealed another memorable night for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Despite a late push from Barcelona, Real’s defence, marshalled by Antonio Rüdiger, held firm to secure all three points. The win keeps Madrid two points clear of Girona and extends their unbeaten start to the 2025–26 campaign.
For Barcelona, it was a night of frustration and missed chances, as Xavi’s men fell to their second league defeat of the season.
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