Real Madrid came out on top in Sunday’s El Clásico, beating rivals Barcelona 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu in a tense and physical showdown.

The win pushes Madrid five points clear at the top of La Liga after 10 rounds.

Madrid started strong, pressing high and forcing early mistakes. In the 4th minute, they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Vinícius, but VAR overturned the decision. 

Minutes later, Kylian Mbappé had a goal ruled out for offside. But, he didn’t stay quiet for long in the 22nd minute, he latched onto a through-ball from Jude Bellingham and netted the ball to make it 1–0.

Barcelona responded in the 38th minute when Fermín López capitalized on a defensive error to level the score. But Madrid struck back quickly. Just before halftime, Bellingham finished a looping cross to regain the lead at 2–1.

The second half saw Barcelona dominate possession (52%) and push for an equalizer, but Madrid’s defense held firm. 

Pedri was sent off late in the game, reducing Barça to ten men. Despite a saved penalty by Wojciech Szczęsny, Madrid closed out the match.

Statistically, Madrid had 20 shots (8 on target) to Barcelona’s 14 (6 on target). Madrid also led in dangerous attacks and corner kicks. Mbappé now has 11 league goals this season, making him one of the best players in the world this season. 

This win breaks a streak of four straight El Clásico losses for Madrid and marks a statement performance for manager Xabi Alonso, who secured his first win in the rivalry. It also keeps Madrid’s unbeaten home record this season. 

Up next, Real Madrid will host Valencia on November 1 in La Liga, followed by a high-stakes Champions League clash away at Liverpool on November 4.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will welcome Elche to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on November 2, then head to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the Champions League on November 5. 

Both teams face packed schedules that could shape their domestic and European campaigns.