Real Madrid clinched a gritty 2–1 victory over archrivals Barcelona on Sunday, reclaiming El Clasico bragging rights and stretching their lead atop La Liga to five points. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham sealed the win, but late-game drama and post-match tensions kept tempers flaring.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing off a precise assist from Bellingham to ignite the Santiago Bernabéu crowd. Barcelona responded through Fermín López, whose deflected strike leveled the match in the 38th minute. Bellingham restored Madrid’s lead just before halftime, capitalizing on a loose ball to beat goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.

Barcelona pressed for an equalizer in the second half, but their momentum was halted when Pedri received a red card in the 90th minute for a reckless challenge on Vinícius Júnior. Madrid’s own setback came deep into stoppage time.

Statistically, Madrid dominated with 58% possession and 18 shots, generating 3.63 expected goals compared to Barcelona’s 1.03. “The boys showed heart after the equalizer—we needed this,” said manager Xabi Alonso, who praised Bellingham’s “brilliance”.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick criticized the red card as “harsh” and questioned VAR’s failure to review a potential handball by Mbappé. Despite missing key players like Raphinha, Flick insisted his squad “gave all.” Frenkie de Jong dismissed Madrid’s outrage over Lamine Yamal’s pre-match comments as “exaggerated,” while Ronald Araujo defended the 17-year-old forward: “He’s the best; he knows what to do.”

Tensions boiled over at full time, with Vinícius confronting Yamal over remarks about Madrid’s “robbery” narrative. Police intervened as Dani Carvajal joined the fray. Yamal, subdued during the match with just 42 touches, later brushed off the incident as part of the rivalry. Madrid boss Xabi Alonso downplayed the clash: “Viní’s frustration is passion—we’ll talk.”

With 27 points from ten matches, Madrid next host Valencia on November 1 before facing Liverpool in the Champions League. Barcelona, now second with 22 points, prepare to meet Elche. The win marks Madrid’s first Clasico triumph in five attempts and reignites the title race—on and off the pitch.