Xabi Alonso delivered the kind of Clásico every new manager dreams of — a win that feels like a declaration.
Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu as Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham struck in a pulsating first half, stretching Madrid’s lead over their rivals to five points and snapping a dismal run of Clasico losses.
A First-Half Thunderbolt Show
Madrid struck early and often. Mbappé’s opener was a reminder of his ruthless instinct, and though Fermín López briefly levelled the game with a scrappy, perfectly timed finish, Bellingham reclaimed the momentum five minutes later with a composed tap‑in that settled the contest.
The afternoon could have been even bigger for Madrid — Szczesny denied a second-half penalty, and three Madrid goals were disallowed for tight offside calls — but the result was emphatic enough
Alonso’s Tactical Turnaround
Alonso’s stamp was obvious. Madrid pressed with purpose, snarling at Barcelona’s build-up and forcing errors from goalkeeper to centre-backs.
Sacrificing width for midfield density paid dividends as Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler formed a compact force out of possession and switched into a 4-4-2 that smothered Barca’s rhythm.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a blueprint for how Alonso wants his team to play the big games.
Bellingham and Mbappé Deliver
Bellingham returned to the Clásico spotlight with the calm efficiency that made him iconic at the Bernabéu, supplying a defence-splitting pass and finishing like a predator when it mattered.
Mbappé, central to everything dangerous Madrid produced, found the net despite a penalty miss that Szczesny kept out — an afternoon showing both his moments of brilliance and flaws. Together, they carried Madrid’s cutting edge.
Barça’s Defensive Fragility
Barcelona’s high line was exposed in brutal fashion. Alejandro Balde’s mistimed step left Mbappé free for the opener, and poor aerial marking allowed Bellingham to ghost in for the winner.
The centre-back partnership of Joan García and Pau Cubarsí still looks unproven against elite forwards, and moments of passivity and miscommunication cost Barca dearly on the biggest stage.
Yamal Under Fire
Lamine Yamal arrived at the Bernabéu with controversy and left bruised by the atmosphere.
Whistled from the first touch after remarks about refereeing, he struggled to influence the game and became a target for Madrid’s crowd. Barca shifted him centrally later on, but the pressure had already taken its toll, and he could not be the match-changer his side needed.
Injuries and the Bench Problem
Barcelona’s lack of available attacking options showed late. With Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Gavi, and Dani Olmo sidelined, substitutions came too late and were thin on game-changing quality.
Fermín’s clever movement produced a moment of inspiration, but Barca’s limited resources left them running out of answers as the match reached its climax.
Aftermath and What It Means
Tempers flared after the final whistle, culminating in a melee sparked by Pedri’s late red card. For Alonso, this is a milestone — the first signature Clásico win that proves his Madrid can meet the biggest tests.
For Barcelona, it’s a reminder that talent alone won’t suffice; structure and defensive steel are needed if they are to challenge at the summit.
The Bernabéu went home roaring, and LaLiga’s balance of power feels a little more tilted toward the capital tonight.
