Real Madrid tightened their grip at the top of LaLiga with a 2–1 win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu, moving five points clear after a purposeful display. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring midway
through the first half following a superb through ball from Jude Bellingham, before Fermin Lopez briefly equalized for the visitors. Bellingham struck again just before halftime, finishing from close range after Éder Militão’s cushioned header, sealing Xabi Alonso’s first league victory over Madrid’s fiercest rivals.
Madrid steadily imposed structure and precision in this game. Aurélien Tchouaméni orchestrated play from deep with 11 progressive passes — second only to Eric García’s 12 — and recovered possession eight times, the highest total in the match.
Militão was equally assured, completing 92.0 % of his passes and connecting on two-thirds of his longballs, while Álvaro Carreras and Arda Güler each produced seven progressive passes. Despite Barcelona’s midfield fluency, Madrid generated 3.63 expected goals to the visitors’ 1.03, translating control into genuine attacking threat.
Tchouaméni delivered one of his most complete performances of the season. He completed 89.7 % of his passes, added three key passes, and finished with 0.90 xT gain. His 11 progressive passes constantly broke Barcelona’s midfield line, while his eight recoveries anchored Madrid’s defensive transitions.
Bellingham combined efficiency with impact. He completed 89.8 % of his passes, made 53 touches — including 23 in the final third — and produced one key pass. He added five recoveries and a successful take-on, scoring the decisive goal that restored Madrid’s advantage before halftime. His awareness and anticipation in attacking spaces once again turned control into points.
Vinícius Júnior was a constant source of danger on the left. He completed five take-ons, made 28 touches in the final third, and connected on 66.7 % of his longballs. His early involvement earned Madrid’s first penalty claim, and his delivery helped create the winning goal. Vinícius’s persistence and direct running repeatedly unsettled Barcelona’s defense, setting the tempo for a controlled and decisive Madrid performance in Xabi Alonso’s first Clásico win as manager, within his first attempt.
