Real Madrid claimed bragging rights in the first El Clasico of the season with a 2–1 victory over rivals Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham either side of a strike by Fermín Lopez gave Madrid their 10th league win of the campaign, increasing their lead at the top of La Liga.
FT: #ELCLÁSICO 2-1
📈 Real Madrid win to go FIVE points clear at the top of #LALIGAEASPORTS! pic.twitter.com/8d4mREpnQa
— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) October 26, 2025
Madrid had a chance to open the scoring early on after a penalty was awarded to the hosts for a foul on Vinicius Junior but referee Cesar Soto Grado overturned his initial ruling after a VAR review. The home side thought they had broken the deadlock in the 12th minute after Mbappe found the net with an incredible strike from outside the box, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
However, the breakthrough eventually came ten minutes later as Mbappe finished from close-range after a clever through-ball from Bellingham. It marked his tenth league goal of the season and extending his run of scoring to seven straight appearances.
Barcelona regrouped and hit back in the 38th minute when Lopez finished off a low cross from Marcus Rashford. The Spanish midfielder rifled the ball into the top of the net, leaving Thibaut Courtois helpless and momentarily restoring parity.
Madrid regained the lead just before half-time, in the 43rd minute, when Bellingham tapped in from close range after latching onto a header from Eder Militao. The Englishman, who made made it back-to-back games with goal, ensured Madrid went into the break with a narrow but well-earned advantage.
The second half saw increased tension. Madrid were awarded a penalty after Barcelona’s Eric Garcia was deemed to have handled the ball, and Mbappe stepped up – only for Barcelona’s Wojciech Szczęsny to make a fine save. Although Madrid had several further opportunities, the game remained alive through to its closing stages.
Off the pitch the drama continued. Vinícius was visibly furious at being substituted for compatriot Rodrygo Goes in the 72nd minute and stormed down the tunnel, mouthing words before returning to the bench.
After the final whistle a scuffle broke out involving players from both clubs, including Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois confronting Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, all underscoring the match’s intense rivalry.
Madrid have now won five games in a row in all competitions, including three straight in La Liga, reinforcing their status as title favourites and proving their credentials in what was a statement win at the Bernabeu.
For Barcelona, the defeat marks their second league loss in three outings and leaves them five points behind Madrid in the table.
