Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona (Mbappé & Bellingham). Three huge points. Here is the Clàsico immediate reaction. Coming right up: Player ratings, press conference best bits and an El Clàsico podcast special.
After waiting some time for an El Clàsico victory, there seemed to be a consensus among Madridistas that this one should end the dry spell. Real Madrid sat top of La Liga, and had witnessed numerous Barcelona slip ups so far during the season. They’d still be without a right-back though, with both
returning options starting on the bench. Dean Huijsen lodged himself into the back line though, joined by Éder Militão to form a strong partnership. Fede Valverde captained the team for the big game.
After Barcelona came in heavy with the challenges (a penalty should have been awarded to Los Blancos), it was almost the perfect start for Real Madrid, as Kylian Mbappé looped a shot over the goalkeeper to take the lead. Sadly, he was stood in an offside position as the ball was won in midfield, and the scoreline was reverted to 0-0. Kylian wouldn’t make that mistake again, and after being played through by Jude Bellingham – he opted for a low finish this time to send Madrid into the lead once more. Fede Valverde sent a strike into orbit after being set up nicely, as the home side gained some control over proceedings. They would have to take a set back when Arda Güler was dispossessed in a dangerous area, allowing the visitors to infiltrate the defence and poke past Thibaut Courtois to score an equaliser. Madrid set back out to attack, and were looking dangerous on the counter when Barcelona decided to cheat, with Pedri opting to try and take the shirt of Vinícius Júnior home with him. Fortunately, this would not reflect well on the Catalans, with Jude Bellingham tapping home from the resulting attack to send his side ahead before the break. It could have been more, but another Kylian Mbappé goal was ruled out for offside (this one a lot less marginal). Half-time: 2-1 to Real Madrid.
The second half brought a golden opportunity for Real Madrid to put themselves out of sight, as a penalty was awarded for a (in my opinion slightly harsh) handball. Kylian Mbappé stepped up, and saw his powerful effort saved. Another offside goal then went in, this time though Jude Bellingham, as a clever line caught Brahim Díaz offside moments prior. The intensity of the game appeared to vanish for much of the second half, which Real Madrid wouldn’t have minded. Barcelona lacked bite, and although Madrid failed to add further misery, they will be content with the score. Barcelona could have stolen something late on, but Jules Kounde lacked the ability to select the correct form of control alone inside the box. To make it worse, Rodrygo Goes almost made it three on two occasions – and Pedri received a deserved second yellow card, sending his team down to ten men, all in added time. Full-time: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona – an El Clàsico victory, and some big performances by plenty of men in white. Happy with that?
