Madrid Triumphs in Clasico: Bellingham's Masterclass Sparks a Mbappé-tinged Upset for Barcelona

Match Report

In a dramatic Clasico at the Santiago Bernabéu, Jude Bellingham starred as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1, scoring once and setting up the other as Madrid snapped a four-match winless run against their arch-rivals in La Liga play.

Bellingham later told Real Madrid TV that the win was crucial and that the team had fought back from a difficult spell, delivering a performance that deserved the three points.

The opener arrived after a patient Madrid build-up when Bellingham found Mbappé with a precise pass, and Mbappé finished clinically to give Madrid the lead. The second goal saw Madrid consolidate with a disciplined defensive display as the clock wore on.

Speaking after the game, Bellingham said the first half had been strong on the front foot, and the team maintained discipline in defense after the break. He praised Militao, Tchouaméni and Carvajal for their contributions to the victory.

Asked about his decisive assist to Mbappé, he said: "They defend high, and with Mbappé on the field things feel easier. I turned, I passed. Simple as that." He added that the goal was a matter of reading the game and being in the right moment and place.

He also noted his improved physical condition after a shoulder injury, saying he had worked hard with the medical staff and is ready for what's next this season.

French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni also voiced satisfaction with the performance, stressing that the win reflected the team's tactical commitment and pressing intensity. He said the victory would fuel their title bid but that consistency would be essential.

Tchouaméni highlighted the role of the fans, saying their energy supplied extra momentum during demanding phases of the match. He concluded that the start of the season has been solid, and with continued effort, Madrid can pursue a great campaign.

Numbers and context: Opta noted that Madrid finished with 23 shots against Barcelona—the most in a first Clasico for a Madrid coach in La Liga since at least 2003-04. Another stat from Skorcha showed this was the first league Clasico win for a Madrid coach since Zinedine Zidane in 2016. Bellingham’s performance also cemented his status as Madrid’s youngest player to score and assist in a 21st-century Clasico at 22 years and 119 days. Mbappé’s goal and general influence placed him among Madrid’s top scorers against Barcelona in the 21st century, a list led by Ronaldo and Benzema with Mbappé emerging as a key figure.

The closing minutes carried extra tension, with a red card shown to Pedri and some heated exchanges near the technical areas, prompting the officials to intervene. After the final whistle, there were further verbal clashes but players from both sides stepped in to restore order as the game finished with Madrid celebrating another Clasico win.

Caption: Bellingham celebrates a pivotal performance against Barca.

Two punchlines to keep in mind: 1) Bellingham’s passes were so precise, even the scoreboard looked surprised. 2) If this were a dating app, Madrid would already have swiped right on Mbappé—and Barcelona would be left with a hopeful-but-humbling match review.