Jude Bellingham Stars as Real Madrid Stuns Barcelona in Clasico
Jude Bellingham’s remarkable double secured a stunning 2-1 comeback win for Real Madrid against Barcelona in his debut La Liga Clasico this Saturday.
The English international, who has made an electrifying start to his Madrid journey, showcased his prowess with a long-range rocket into the top corner, shortly after Ilkay Gundogan had put Barcelona in the lead at the Olympic Stadium.
Bellingham didn’t stop there, as he netted his second goal in stoppage time, silencing the Barcelona supporters and bringing his tally to 10 goals in La Liga this season.
Despite Barcelona hitting the woodwork twice and controlling much of the match, Bellingham, the league’s leading goal-scorer, continued his unstoppable run, leaving an indelible mark on his first Clasico.
Bellingham’s brace propelled Madrid to the summit of La Liga, ahead of Girona on goal difference, with both teams now four points clear of Barcelona in third place.
Barcelona welcomed the return of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Raphinha from injury, with Xavi naming them on the bench. However, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri couldn’t recover in time.
On the other side, Carlo Ancelotti opted for Ferland Mendy at left-back over Eduardo Camavinga and Fran Garcia. Bellingham once again assumed the number 10 role, getting his first taste of arguably the world’s most significant club football encounter.
Nonetheless, it was another midfielder, making his Clasico debut, who broke the deadlock — Barcelona’s summer signing, Ilkay Gundogan.
The former Manchester City player seized an opportunity when Aurelien Tchouameni intercepted Ferran Torres’ pass, redirecting it into his own area. Although center-back David Alaba attempted to clear the ball, his efforts were unconvincing, and Gundogan capitalized, nimbly gaining possession and slotting it past Kepa Arrizabalaga in the sixth minute.
Fermin Lopez, one of Barcelona’s promising young talents from La Masia academy, hammered a shot against the post after an intense press by Gavi. Madrid’s defender Antonio Rudiger launched a long-range attempt, but Barcelona held their ground, and Vinicius Junior found himself entangled with Gavi and Ronald Araujo, who was deployed at right-back to stymie him.
Following a collision with Araujo, the Brazilian winger protested, with Xavi assuring him it was a fair shoulder charge. However, Torres’ rugby-like tackle on Vinicius just before half-time earned him a yellow card.
In midfield, Gavi, Gundogan, and Lopez exerted control, with Joao Cancelo’s advanced role providing extra defensive stability for Barcelona.
Barcelona rattled the woodwork once again when Inigo Martinez headed Lopez’s precise cross against the post early in the second half, with Arrizabalaga thwarting Araujo’s follow-up attempt.
Madrid resorted to long-range efforts, and eventually, one found its mark to level the score with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen managed to save a powerful shot from Tchouameni, but he couldn’t deny Bellingham’s thunderous strike, pulling Madrid level in a match where they had struggled to gain a foothold.
As the game appeared headed for an unsatisfying draw for both sides, Bellingham stepped in decisively, perfectly positioned to slot the ball through Ter Stegen’s legs after Luka Modric deflected Dani Carvajal’s cross into his path.
