Real Madrid edged out Barcelona with a 2–1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday night, a result that pushes Los Blancos further ahead in the La Liga title race.
Jude Bellingham’s strike just before half-time sealed the win for Xabi Alonso’s side after Barcelona had briefly equalised through Fermín López. Kylian Mbappé had earlier opened the scoring for Madrid with a fine finish in the first half.
The French forward gave the hosts the lead in the 28th minute, driving a precise low shot into the bottom corner after cutting in from the left.
Barcelona, however, hit back swiftly when Fermín punished a defensive lapse to slot home the equaliser in the 38th minute. Madrid responded immediately, with Bellingham restoring their advantage five minutes later by finishing off a well-worked move inside the box.
The second half was packed with tension and drama.
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Referee César Soto Grado awarded Madrid a penalty just after the hour mark, but Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny denied Mbappé from the spot with an outstanding save to keep his side in contention.
Madrid thought they had added a third goal when Brahim Díaz combined with Bellingham for a neat finish, but VAR intervened to disallow it for offside.
Barcelona’s frustration boiled over late in stoppage time as Pedri received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Aurélien Tchouameni, reducing the visitors to ten men.
In the closing seconds, Rodrygo nearly made it 3–1 with a curling free-kick, but Szczesny produced another brilliant stop to keep the scoreline respectable.
The final whistle confirmed Madrid’s crucial victory, ending a four-game losing streak against their fierce Catalan rivals and strengthening their grip at the top of La Liga.