Real Madrid CF finally emerge victorious as they defeat Barcelona FC 2-1 for their first El Clásico win in five years
There are few moments in Spanish football that carry as much weight and emotion as El Clásico, and this afternoon, the country’s attention is focused firmly on the Bernabéu where Spain’s greatest rivals, Real Madrid CF and Barcelona FC are just moments away from engaging in battle. The emotions in the stadium as the stands fill rapidly is undeniably electric, and whether you are old or young, newcomer or seasoned fan, it is clear that to be here is to witness something extraordinary.
A chance at retribution
Not only is this shaping up to be an emotive match but also a pivotal one. Both teams come into this match at almost level-pegging positions in the league, with Real Madrid just two points in the lead. However, that lead is far from comfortable and, as we’ve seen from the teams’ previous meetings so far in 2025, Los Blancos will be feeling extra pressure to perform. Much to the disappointment of the Madridistas, it is Barcelona that have emerged victorious during each of their last three matches this year and, more importantly, the last four Clásicos. However, some notable changes to the Real Madrid lineup today may serve to turn the tables.
Following their win over Juventus in the Champions League, it appears that, after his recent struggles with injury, Bellingham is back on form and will surely be looking to cement his goal-scoring status within the team. Especially given that for the first time in history two English players will be facing off against each other, with Rashford making up part of Barca’s starting lineup. Dean Huijsen and Dani Carvajal are also making their return to the Real Madrid match squad while Barcelona are suffering some notable absences with Lewandoswki, Gavi and Olmo all out with injury. It will be interesting to see if Real Madrid will be able to convert this advantage into a favourable result and turn the tide of this bitter rivalry.
So it begins…
And now, the frisson of anticipation that has been building throughout the day erupts into a roar as the players emerge onto the pitch and, as the whistle kicks off the game, the fans hold their breath. Both teams emerge from the blocks with motors gunning. Within the first 5 minutes, both teams make plays towards goal. As Vini Jr makes an approach in the 4th minute of the match, he is taken down by Lamin inside the Barca box. Following a VAR consultation, no penalty is awarded, much to the displeasure of the home fans. This displeasure is compounded into outright outrage just 6 minutes later as referee Cesar Solo disallows a belter of a goal by Mbappé that would’ve given Los Blancos a very much appreciated early lead. It is clear that today’s match is shaping up to be no less eventful than los Clásicos of the past. However, the team does not appear disheartened as they continue to mount attacks in Barcelona’s end. And their persistence is well rewarded as in the 21st minute! Mbappé buries the ball firmly in the back of the net after skilful passing through Barca’s defence. It is almost as though he is willed on by the referee’s earlier decision to put things right. The questions is whether Real Madrid will be able to hold onto this lead or even extend it…
Pace of play as the first half begins to wane is almost at a fever pitch with multiple moments of chaos erupting as both teams scramble for the ball; Barcelona desperate to level the score before the half time whistle blows. And they do exactly that as Fermin finally manages to break through Real Madrid’s defence and score an all-important equaliser in the 37th minute. But Real Madrid aren’t willing to give up that easy and they win back the lead as Bellingham sinks the ball into the net in the 42nd minute after a beautifully placed cross by Militão. Moments later Mbappé gets past the keeper for a third time but is once again called offside and the goal disallowed. A last minute attempt on goal by Lamin in the penultimate minute saved by Courtois carries play to a close as the whistle blows for half-time.
After the reset
After the break, it is clear that Real Madrid is keeping their momentum high as Bellingham comes straight back out with an attempted shot on goal. The tensions amongst the players and the fans, however, are clearly also still running high as an alleged handball from Eric Garcia causes both outrage in the stands and a standstill on the pitch. After a long consultation, Real Madrid is awarded the penalty and Mbappe steps up to the stage to the cheers of the fans but his attempted is deftly deflected by Szczesny. In fact, Barcelona appears to have emerged from half-time with a somewhat renewed energy and momentum as they continue to dominate possession and make several runs towards goal. In the 52nd minute Ferran Torres tries his luck at goal but send the ball straight into Courtois’s hands.
There is that classic sense of fierce competition writhing throughout play as both sides make virulent tackles and a growing sense of disturbance builds within the stands. In the 58th minute Huijsen is dealt a yellow card for a foul on Fermin Lopez. The free kick that follows is taken by Rashford but to no avail. The fans are still baying for blood as several tackles by Barcelona on the players in white go unchallenged by the referee. As expected, the second half is a minefield and the stands a powder keg ready to explode. But there are still a good 30 minutes at least to go and, as we well know, that means it is still anyone’s game.
Third time’s a charm… or not
They often say things come in threes and that rings true this match as, in the 67th minute, Real Madrid sees a third goal disallowed as Bellingham scores from offside. Both teams are seeming a little less polished this half as opportunities open up but the finer margins of things mean they go unfulfilled; a few misplaced balls and players impeding any further scoreline progress. In the hopes of bringing some fresh feet onto the pitch, Xabi Alonso calls Vini Jr and Valverde off and sends on Rodrygo and Carvajal in their place. Barcelona also renews with Casadó and Araujo taking the places of Ferran and Garcia. Vini Jr is clearly unhappy with the decision and some sideline badmouthing ends with him storming off into the tunnel – perhaps not the most team-like display of behaviour which will surely be hotly discussed across the media after the match.
It is clear that Real Madrid are determined to maintain their lead as they continue to firmly shut down Barcelona’s movements towards goal; in the 81st minute an excellent tackle from Militão thwarts a threatening run from the Barcelona forward. But Real Madrid are evidently not willing to sit back on their haunches and just defend their lead; they are still aiming to extend it and they continue to make several movements towards goal. However, their progress is disrupted in the 84th minute when medics are called on pitch to tend to Camavinga. Luckily, he is able to continue and rejoins the game. An 87th minute run and shot from Mbappé perfectly encapsulates the team’s commitment to continued progress, Barcelona will need to tighten up if they want to sway the match as yet another shot on goal is saved by Courtois.
Madrid’s Nine Lives
Just before the clock ticks over to the 90th minute, star players and frontrunners of Madrid’s play Bellingham and Mbappé are subbed off for Garcia and Ceballos but los Blancos aren’t in the clear yet as a full nine painstaking minutes are added to the clock. There is not a calm head in the house. Both goalkeepers are having their work cut out for them as Courtois saves a shot from Koundé, and Szczesny deflects a solid attempt by Brahim. But Barcelona is relentless as they feel their time running out. However, it is Real Madrid with a last minute opportunity as Camavinga is fouled just outside the box with just two minutes left on the clock. The resulting free kick is saved by Szczesny.
Last minute chaos!
Just when it looked like things were tied up, chaos erupts as Pedri is shown a red card and sent off. A scene of rife confusion and stress engulfs the stands as play becomes unclear, but the panic is shortly pierced by the screech of the final whistle to the utter relief and elation of the home crowd.
For the first time in 4 long years, Real Madrid are hailed the winners of this legendary match. An absolutely packed out stadium now raises the rafters as celebrations begin that will surely go on throughout the night and well into next week. For Barcelona, they will be walking away licking their wounds with minds firmly set on returning next time to turn the tide.
