In a highly anticipated El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid Beat Barcelona 2-1, snapping a four-game streak without a win in the fixture. The win boosts Madrid’s position at the top of La Liga and provides a significant psychological lift. ESPN.com

Early Controversy and Momentum

The match began with tension: an early penalty was awarded by referee César Soto Grado for a foul by Lamine Yamal on Vinícius Júnior, but after a VAR review the decision was overturned. Real Madrid Official
Madrid then took control of the tempo, pressing Barcelona high and dominating in possession.

Mbappé Opens the Scoring in the 22nd Minute

In the 22nd minute, Kylian Mbappé finished a sharp through-ball from Jude Bellingham to put Madrid ahead. The move showed excellent inter-play and the hosts’ intent from early on. Real Madrid Official

Barcelona Equalise Through Fermín López

Barcelona responded in the 38th minute when defensive slackness from Madrid led to a goal by Fermín López, after Madrid’s Arda Güler lost possession. At 1-1, the game was briefly balanced. ESPN.com

Bellingham’s Winner Just Before Half-Time

Five minutes later, in the 43rd minute, Bellingham capitalised on a fine cross from Vinícius Jr. to restore Madrid’s lead at 2-1. The goal gave the hosts momentum going into the break. Real Madrid Official

Second Half: Penalty Miss & Barcelona Down to Ten

Early in the second half, Madrid were awarded a penalty after Eric García’s hand-ball; Mbappé stepped up but his spot-kick was superbly saved by Barcelona’s keeper Wojciech Szczęsny in the 52nd minute. SI
Later, Barcelona’s Pedri received a second yellow card in stoppage time, reducing them to ten men. The Guardian

Tactical Analysis: Madrid’s Control, Barca’s Struggles

Madrid dominated the first half with over 70 % possession in some phases, pressing intensely and probing Barca’s defence. The Guardian
Barcelona, in contrast, struggled to create meaningful chances after the equaliser, and their high defensive line was exposed by quick transitions and the pace of Vinícius Jr.
Madrid’s ability to execute their front three and maintain structure in midfield under coach Xabi Alonso made the difference. Managing Madrid

Implications for the Title Race

With this win, Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to five points over Barcelona, giving them a clear psychological edge in the race. ESPN.com
For Barcelona, questions remain about their consistency, squad depth and ability to challenge for the top spot this season.

Player Highlights

Jude Bellingham: Scored and assisted, influential in both phases of play. Managing Madrid
Kylian Mbappé: Opened the scoring, pressed well, though missed the penalty.
Wojciech Szczęsny: The stand-out for Barcelona, crucial penalty save kept them in the match.
Vinícius Júnior: His pace and dribbling created the second goal and caused constant threat.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Barcelona was a statement of intent: after a period of frustration in this fixture, they regained dominance in El Clásico. The combination of clinical finishing, tactical discipline and key individual performances underlined their title credentials. Barcelona meanwhile must regroup quickly if they are to stay in the hunt.