Jude Bellingham continued his sensational start at Real Madrid with a mesmerizing performance in the first Clasico of the season, netting twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner, to secure victory for his new team. Despite Ilkay Gundogan’s early goal, which handed Barcelona an early lead, Bellingham took center stage, orchestrating a remarkable Real Madrid comeback and defying the odds. The match culminated in a thrilling 2-1 win for Real Madrid.
The game was marked by intense aggression but relatively few clear-cut opportunities, particularly in the first half. Both goals seemed to materialize out of thin air, with Gundogan seizing the perfect moment to score his maiden goal for the Catalan club. Just six minutes into the match, he capitalized on an inadvertent through-ball from Aurelien Tchouameni, who sent it into his own box. Gundogan outpaced a despairing David Alaba to find the net and hand Xavi’s side the lead.
Despite missing key players like Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Jules Kounde from their starting lineup, a resolute Barcelona crafted numerous chances in the first half. Fermin Lopez even struck the woodwork, but Bellingham would make them rue their missed opportunities with a brilliant performance in the final 20 minutes.
Shortly after Tchouameni’s long-range effort hit the crossbar, Bellingham received the ball just outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot that swerved beneath Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s outstretched hand, drawing Real Madrid level. Just when the match seemed headed for a draw, a combination of experience and youthful vigor proved decisive. Luka Modric, inadvertently, set up Bellingham, who calmly slotted the ball home from point-blank range to secure the victory.
This result catapults Real Madrid to the top of La Liga, with the same number of points as Girona, and a four-point lead over Barcelona, who currently occupy the third spot. The Clasico lived up to its hype, thanks to Jude Bellingham’s unforgettable debut and the thrilling late drama that unfolded on the pitch.
Bellingham’s Real Madrid Triumph Over Resilient Barcelona:
Jude Bellingham stars as Real Madrid come back to beat Barcelona in El Clasico
Jude Bellingham was once again the star of the show as Real Madrid came back from a goal down to beat Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico.
Barcelona had started the game well and took the lead through Ilkay Gundogan, but Bellingham equalized with a stunning long-range strike early in the second half.
Real Madrid then dominated the rest of the game and got their winning goal in stoppage time, with Bellingham again involved. Luka Modric’s long pass found Bellingham in the box, and he calmly slotted home to give Real Madrid a deserved victory.
The result means that Real Madrid are now top of La Liga, two points ahead of Barcelona.
Bellingham proves impossible to stop:
Bellingham has been in sensational form since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and he was once again the best player on the pitch in El Clasico.
The 19-year-old Englishman scored both of Real Madrid’s goals, and he was a constant threat to the Barcelona defense. He was also involved in the build-up to a number of other chances for his team.
Bellingham is now one of the most exciting young players in the world, and he is already one of the key players in Real Madrid’s team.
Real Madrid’s strength in depth proves decisive:
Real Madrid’s strength in depth proved to be the decisive factor in the game.
Carlo Ancelotti was able to call on Luka Modric from the bench, and the Croatian midfielder made a huge impact. He was involved in the build-up to both of Real Madrid’s goals, and he helped to control the game in the midfield.
Barcelona, on the other hand, did not have the same level of depth on the bench. Xavi Hernandez was forced to bring on Oriol Romeu, who is not a natural central midfielder.
Real Madrid’s superior strength in depth proved to be the difference in the game, and it helped them to come away with a deserved victory.
Man of the Match – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid):
Sporting the legendary number 5 jersey, a symbol once donned by the great Zinedine Zidane in historic El Clasico encounters of the past, Jude Bellingham left an indelible mark in the heart of the Spanish capital.
For a significant part of the game, Bellingham remained inconspicuous against a meticulously organized Barcelona midfield. However, he etched his name into the annals of history with a thunderous opening goal, a moment that will echo through time in countless replays.
As the game progressed, Bellingham became increasingly influential, forging strong connections with Vinicius and Joselu in the final stages. Yet, when it came to scripting the fairytale ending, there was no one else who could claim that spotlight.
Player Performance:
Barcelona:
- Ter Stegen (5): Made a few good saves, but couldn’t stop Bellingham’s two goals.
- Araujo (6): Had a solid game defensively, but struggled to contain Vinicius Junior on occasion.
- Christensen (7): Was one of Barcelona’s best players on the day, making a number of important tackles and interceptions.
- Martinez (6): Had a decent game, but was caught out of position for Bellingham’s first goal.
- Balde (7): Had a good game down the left flank, providing width and attacking threat.
- Gavi (8): Was Barcelona’s most energetic player on the day, pressing high and winning the ball back on numerous occasions.
- Gundogan (7): Scored Barcelona’s goal with a well-taken finish, but was otherwise quiet in the game.
- Lopez (7): Had a good game in midfield, breaking up Real Madrid’s attacks and distributing the ball well.
- Cancelo (6): Had a mixed game, providing some good attacking moments but also getting caught out defensively at times.
- Torres (7): Was a constant threat to the Real Madrid defense, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
- Felix (7): Linked up well with his teammates and created a number of chances, but was unlucky not to score.
Subs:
- Lewandowski (6): Didn’t have much of an impact after coming on.
- Raphinha (6): Had a few chances to score, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
- Alonso (N/A): Didn’t play enough minutes to be rated.
- Romeu (5): Came on late in the game and gave away a free-kick that led to Real Madrid’s winning goal.
- Yamal (6): Had a decent game after coming on, providing some energy in midfield.
Real Madrid:
- Kepa (8): Made a number of important saves, including a double save in the second half to deny Barcelona.
- Carvajal (6): Had a decent game, but struggled to contain Balde on occasion.
- Rudiger (7): Was one of Real Madrid’s best players on the day, making a number of important tackles and interceptions.
- Alaba (6): Had a decent game, but was caught out of position for Gundogan’s goal.
- Mendy (5): Had a poor game, struggling to contain Torres and Balde.
- Tchouameni (7): Had a good game in midfield, breaking up Barcelona’s attacks and distributing the ball well.
- Valverde (7): Was energetic and industrious in midfield, helping to create chances for Real Madrid.
- Bellingham (9): Was the man of the match, scoring two brilliant goals and causing Barcelona a lot of problems.
- Kroos (6): Had a quiet game, but was still effective in distributing the ball.
- Rodrygo (4): Had a disappointing game, failing to create any chances or score.
- Vinicius (6): Had a few chances to score, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: El Clasico 2023 Highlights:
The 2023 El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid was a thrilling encounter that ended in a 2-1 victory for the visitors. Barcelona took the lead early on through Ilkay Gundogan, who capitalized on a mistake from Tchouameni. Real Madrid equalized in the 68th minute through Jude Bellingham, who scored a stunning goal from outside the box. Bellingham then went on to score the winner in the 91st minute, giving Real Madrid a dramatic victory in their first El Clasico of the season.
The game started at a fast pace, with both teams looking to create chances. Barcelona had the first clear-cut opportunity of the match in the 6th minute when Gundogan played a one-two with Ferran Torres but his shot was saved by Kepa. Real Madrid responded well and had a chance of their own in the 15th minute when Benzema headed over the bar from a Vinicius Junior cross.
Barcelona took the lead in the 21st minute through Gundogan. Tchouameni misjudged a pass from his own goalkeeper, allowing Gundogan to intercept the ball and slot it past Kepa. Real Madrid tried to get back into the game, but Barcelona defended well and limited them to few chances.
The second half started at a slower pace, with both teams being more cautious. Barcelona had a chance to double their lead in the 55th minute when Lewandowski headed wide from a Gavi cross. Real Madrid equalized in the 68th minute through Bellingham. The England international received the ball from outside the box and fired a powerful shot into the top corner of the net.
Real Madrid pushed for a winner in the final stages of the game, and they were rewarded in the 91st minute. Modric crossed the ball into the box and Bellingham was on hand to finish from close range, giving Real Madrid a dramatic victory in their first El Clasico of the season.
Overall, it was a thrilling El Clasico encounter that was worthy of the occasion. Both teams played well and created chances, but it was Real Madrid who came out on top thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham.