GLOBAL - Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over rivals Barcelona in a heated El Clásico on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Santiago Bernabéu. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham in the first half were enough to overcome a spirited Barcelona, ending a four-match losing streak against the Catalan giants and extending their lead at the top of the La Liga table to five points. The match, which ended with tempers flaring and a red card for Barcelona's Pedri, was a significant statement of intent from Xabi Alonso's Madrid side.

The game began at a frantic pace, with Real Madrid looking to assert dominance early. The hosts thought they had a penalty in the opening two minutes when Vinícius Jr. went down under a challenge from Lamine Yamal, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Just ten minutes later, Mbappé unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that found the net, only for it to be disallowed for a marginal offside in the build-up.

However, the French superstar was not to be denied. In the 22nd minute, Jude Bellingham produced a moment of brilliance, splitting the Barcelona defence with a perfectly weighted through ball for Mbappé, who calmly slotted it past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny to open the scoring. It was a clinical finish that underscored the threat Madrid posed on the counter-attack against Barcelona's high defensive line.

Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, struggled to create clear chances despite controlling possession for periods. However, they found an equaliser in the 38th minute against the run of play. A mistake by Arda Güler was pounced upon, and Marcus Rashford provided the assist for Fermín López, who drilled the ball home to level the score.

The parity was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Real Madrid restored their lead. A dynamic run from Vinícius Jr. on the left flank ended with a looping cross to the far post, where Éder Militão headed the ball back across goal for Bellingham to tap in from close range. It was a pivotal goal, marking the English midfielder's first-ever goal and assist in the same La Liga match for the club.

Second Half Drama and Late Tensions

The second half continued to deliver drama. In the 51st minute, Real Madrid were awarded a penalty after a handball by Eric García. Mbappé stepped up to take the spot-kick, but his powerful effort was brilliantly saved by Szczęsny, who had an outstanding game for the visitors, keeping them in the contest.

Despite Barcelona's efforts, they were unable to find a second equaliser. The match became increasingly fractious as the final whistle approached. In the tenth minute of stoppage time, Barcelona midfielder Pedri received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Aurélien Tchouaméni and was sent off. The dismissal sparked a melee on the touchline involving players and staff from both benches, with scuffles continuing after the final whistle.

The victory marks a significant moment for Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, securing a win in his first El Clásico in charge and ending Barcelona's recent dominance in the fixture. For Barcelona, who were missing key players like Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, it was a frustrating evening that highlighted their challenges against a clinical Madrid side.

While there are no direct Kenyan players involved, the global spectacle of El Clásico captivates millions of fans in Kenya and across East Africa, where European football, particularly La Liga, has a massive following. Supporters' clubs for both Real Madrid and Barcelona are prevalent in the region, making the result a major talking point for the local football community.