Photo: EPA-EFE
Real Madrid claimed three crucial points on home turf after defeating Barcelona 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu in the first El Clásico of the season, played on Sunday, October 26, as part of La Liga’s 10th round.
The early minutes saw controversy when the referee canceled a penalty for Madrid and disallowed a Kylian Mbappé goal for offside. The French striker, however, quickly made up for it, opening the scoring in the 22nd minute after a precise assist from Jude Bellingham.
Barcelona equalized before halftime when Fermín López capitalized on a Marcus Rashford pass to fire past Thibaut Courtois. But in the 43rd minute, Bellingham restored Madrid’s lead — Vinícius Júnior crossed, Éder Militão headed the ball back across goal, and the English midfielder finished from close range.
Early in the second half, Real had a chance to extend their lead from the penalty spot, but Wojciech Szczęsny denied Mbappé’s attempt. Despite pressing forward, Barcelona couldn’t find an equalizer.
Late in the game, Pedri was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, and a scuffle broke out between players from both teams, earning a yellow card for Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who was on the bench.
Final score: Real Madrid 2–1 Barcelona
Goals: Mbappé (22’), Bellingham (43’) — Fermín (38’)
With this win, Real Madrid ended a four-match losing streak against Barça and remain at the top of the La Liga standings, now five points clear of their Catalan rivals.
