In a game that delivered everything from brilliant finishes to high drama, Real Madrid edged out Barcelona 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, snapping a four-match losing streak to their longtime rivals.
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The hosts broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Kylian Mbappé ran onto a perfect through-ball from Jude Bellingham to slot home. Barcelona responded five minutes later through Fermín López, capitalising on an error by Real’s Arda Güler. The hosts restored their advantage just before half-time when Bellingham tapped in after a clever run and delivery from Vinícius Júnior. A late penalty miss by Mbappé, a red card for Pedri, and a touchline altercation rounded off the bruising spectacle.
Why It Mattered
Real Madrid’s victory marked a statement of intent: not only did they end their losing run to Barcelona, but they also went five points clear at the top of La Liga. Manager Xabi Alonso’s tactics were on point, with Madrid dominating the early phases and exploiting Barcelona’s high press with pace and precision. Bellingham and Mbappé stood out as decisive attackers, while Real’s defensive unit held firm under late pressure from the visitors.
For Barcelona, it was a night of frustration. Despite dominating possession (68 % at one point) and boasting technical control, they lacked dangerous chances and were undone by a defensive lapse and situational weaknesses.
Stand-Out Stats
- Real Madrid now have 27 points after 10 games (W9 D0 L1) while Barcelona have 22 (W7 D1 L2).
- Real dominated the encounter in expected goals (xG): 3.6 to Barcelona’s 1.03.
- This was Madrid’s 12th win in their last 13 home matches in all competitions.
