Expectations surrounding this weekend's El Clasico were very high due to the fierce rivalry between the teams since the start of La Liga, but Real Madrid came out on top with a 2-1 victory over Barcelona. The Santiago Bernabeu was packed, and what also caught the attention was a huge altercation between the teams in the last play of the game.
Under Xabi Alonso, Real are showing a more coherent structure: faster transitions, heavier press when out of possession, and better link-up between midfield and attack. Mbappé and Vinícius Jr remain huge threats: Mbappé’s opener came from a swift move exploiting Barcelona’s half-space. (Mbappé turned inside and finished decisively). Defensively, Real had to be alert to Barcelona’s pace and youth but looked more focused than in prior fixtures.
In the other hand, injuries impacted Barcelona; the absence of key attackers and the full complement of attacking options meant less fluidity in final third. Hansi Flick's side attempts to dominate possession looked less effective; Real’s press and use of width seemed to disturb them. When they did get forward, the movement lacked consistent end-product compared to previous meetings.
How did El Clásico unfold?
Real Madrid began the match at full throttle, immediately putting Barcelona’s defense under pressure. Just two minutes in, Vinícius Júnior broke into the box from the left, collided with Yamal, and went down. The referee initially pointed to the spot, but after checking the VAR, he overturned the penalty decision.
Moments later, Mbappé found the net after capitalizing on Madrid’s high pressing, but once again, VAR intervened and ruled the play offside. Despite the setbacks, Los Blancos kept up their relentless pace and were rewarded in the 22nd minute. Bellingham turned smartly through the middle, created space, and set up Mbappé, who this time onside, advanced and calmly slotted past Szczesny.
Without easing off, Madrid continued to pile on the pressure and create chances for a second goal, but it was Barcelona who struck next. In the 38th minute, after a costly mistake from Arda Güler while trying to play out from the back, Rashford received on the left and crossed perfectly for Fermín López to tap in the equalizer.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Real Madrid dictating the tempo and exploiting the spaces behind Barcelona’s back line — especially down the flanks. On their second real attack of the half, Bellingham broke down the right and crossed, the ball deflecting off Eric García’s arm inside the area. After another VAR review, a penalty was awarded. However, Mbappé’s shot was at mid-height and Szczesny saved it.
As time went on, Madrid dropped their lines deeper, conceding possession to Barcelona, who exceeded 70% of the all but struggled to turn control into genuine scoring chances. Lamine Yamal had a quiet outing and failed to make much of an offensive impact. Defensively organized and rarely troubled, Real Madrid even found the net again through Bellingham, though the was ruled out for an earlier offside by Brahim Díaz. In the closing minutes, the Merengues managed their lead with composure and saw Pedri sent off in stoppage time, sealing a composed and convincing performance.