Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham struck for Real Madrid as they edged a tense El Clásico 2-1 over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu, ending a four-match losing streak to their rivals.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing a clever through ball from Bellingham. Barcelona responded through Fermín López in the 38th minute after a defensive error. But Madrid reclaimed the lead just before halftime when Bellingham tapped in a cross from Vinícius Jr. from close range.
The game was fraught with controversy. A penalty initially awarded to Madrid was overturned after VAR review, and Mbappé later had a goal disallowed for offside. Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny made several key saves, including denying Mbappé from the penalty spot.
Late tension boiled over: Pedri was sent off in stoppage time after receiving a second yellow, reducing Barcelona to 10 men. The match ended with a heated altercation involving Vinícius Jr., who protested his substitution and clashed with opponents, requiring intervention by security forces.
The victory lifts Madrid five points clear at the top of La Liga standings and marks a potential turning point under manager Xabi Alonso, whose project now carries fresh momentum.
