Real Madrid claimed bragging rights in the first El
Clasico of the season as goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham
earned a 2–1 victory over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The result, Madrid’s ninth win in ten league games,
snapped Barcelona’s four-match Clasico winning streak and maintained Xabi
Alonso’s side at the top end of La Liga.
Mbappe opened the scoring midway through the first
half after a brilliant assist from Bellingham, slotting home his 11th league
goal of the season with clinical precision. The French forward, however,
later saw a penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny early in the second half.
Despite Madrid’s dominance, Fermin Lopez pulled
Barcelona level in the 38th minute, blasting home from Marcus Rashford’s
cross after a defensive lapse by Arda Guler. But Bellingham restored Madrid’s
advantage just before half-time, reacting quickest to Eder Militao’s knockdown
for a close-range finish.
Barcelona, led by assistant coach Marcus Sorg
in place of suspended Hansi Flick, struggled to find rhythm amid a long
injury list that included Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo.
Teenage winger Lamine Yamal, who had taunted Madrid in the build-up,
endured a quiet night before being substituted.
The Catalans’ hopes of a late comeback faded when Pedri
was shown a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Aurelien
Tchouameni, sparking a brief scuffle at the final whistle.
The win cements Madrid’s strong start under Alonso,
proving they can deliver on the biggest stage after their derby setback against
Atletico in September.
Comments:
Leave a Reply