Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Real Madrid emerged victorious in the El Clasico, with Jude Bellingham stealing the spotlight in this thrilling encounter. Bellingham’s double, which included a dramatic stoppage-time winner, scripted an unforgettable Real Madrid comeback and dealt a blow to a determined Barcelona side. In his El Clasico debut, Bellingham showcased his talent with two crucial goals, effectively sealing the fate of the match.
Barcelona initially took the lead thanks to Ilkay Gundogan’s early strike, capitalizing on a defensive error by Aurelien Tchouameni. Missing key players like Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Jules Kounde, Barcelona had their moments in the first half but failed to convert their chances.
Bellingham made them pay, equalizing with a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, and later securing victory with a close-range finish, courtesy of Luka Modric’s assist.
The early goal hinted at a potential Barcelona domination, but additional goals remained elusive. The last encounter between these Spanish giants ended in a 4-0 victory for Barcelona. However, this El Clasico unfolded differently, with Bellingham’s heroics leveling the score in the 68th minute before he sealed the deal with a 2nd-minute extra-time goal, assisted by Modric.
Possession was evenly split, with Barcelona having 52% and Real Madrid 48%. Both teams had limited opportunities, with Barcelona managing 3 shots on target and Real Madrid with 4.
This victory added to Real Madrid’s historic tally of 103 wins in encounters against FC Barcelona, while Barcelona has secured 100 victories, with 52 matches ending in draws. The rivalry between these two clubs spans over a century, creating a rich and storied history.