Real Madrid secured a thrilling 2–1 victory over their arch-rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, reaffirming their dominance at the top of La Liga. The victory was set up by key goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, as Madrid claimed the crucial three points in a game filled with intense drama and controversy.
Mbappé got the ball rolling for Madrid in the 28th minute, firing a low strike from outside the box past Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny to give the hosts the lead. However, Barcelona responded with a quick equaliser just ten minutes later. Fermín López capitalised on a rare defensive blunder to level the score at 1-1, punishing Madrid’s defensive lapse in the 38th minute.
Just before the half-time whistle, Madrid regained their advantage. Bellingham, following sustained pressure, found himself in the right place at the right time to score a simple tap-in, restoring Madrid’s lead with a 43rd-minute finish. The English midfielder’s goal turned out to be the match-winner, as the second half saw plenty of drama but no further goals.
The second half was marked by key moments and controversy. Referee César Soto Grado awarded Madrid a penalty in the 63rd minute for a foul in the penalty box. However, Szczesny produced a brilliant save to deny Mbappé from the spot, keeping Barcelona’s hopes alive. Madrid thought they had scored again through a brilliant Brahim–Bellingham combination, but the goal was ruled offside after a VAR check.
In stoppage time, the game turned even more heated as Barcelona’s Pedri was sent off for a second yellow card after a reckless challenge on Aurélien Tchouaméni. With the numerical advantage, Madrid tried to seal the win, but Szczesny was once again on hand to deny Rodrygo’s free-kick in the dying moments.
