Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona: El Clásico score stats and highlights | Mbappé, Bellingham goals
Spanish soccer’s big two met at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, ending with a dramatic victory for Xabi Alonso’s side.
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Real Madrid vs Barcelona: El Clásico, as it happened
Xabi Alonso's side go five points clear at the top of LaLiga. / JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA / DIARIO AS
Real Madrid celebrate incident-packed El Clasico victory.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham gave Real Madrid a 2-1 win over Barcelona on Sunday, giving Xabi Alonso his first El Clasico win as head coach.
Madrid came into the fixture with a two-point lead at the top of the LaLiga table and they began the game as the dominant force. Mbappe had a brilliant strike ruled out for a narrow offside, before combining brilliantly with Bellingham to break the deadlock midway through the first half.
The visitors had offered little in the early stages but Fermin Lopez drew Barcelona level with a well-taken goal in the 38th minute. But minutes later they were behind again, Bellingham putting the hosts ahead with a poacher's goal on the verge on half time.
The game was a more considered affair in the second half as Madrid slowed the game down and limited Barcelona's opportunities in front of goal. Nevertheless, Los Blancos managed to win a contentious penalty kick for a supposed Eric Garcia handball. Mbappe stepped up to take it but his firmly-struck effort was brilliantly saved by a sprawling Wojciech Szczesny in the Barcelona goal.
Real Madrid managed to see out the victory on home soil but tensions spilled over on the full-time whistle. Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvajal appeared to taunt Lamine Yamal after the youngster's controversial midweek remarks and the game ended with chaotic scenes on the Bernabeu turf.
Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe...
It's an illustrious list, but one that Kylian Mbappe fully deserves to be a part of. The Frenchman scored once against Barcelona but could easily have had a hat-trick.
He found the back of the net early on with a stunning long-range strike, but it was ruled out due to a fractional offside. He got on the scoresheet with a well-taken goal soon after but missed the chance to bag a second when his second-half penalty was saved by Szscesny.
What next for Real Madrid and Barcelona?
Today's El Clasico may have been a big game but it is just one match in a 38-game LaLiga season. Here's what's up next for the two Spanish giants...
Real Madrid's next game is on November 1, when they take on Valencia (Home) at 4pm ET.
Barcelona have to wait until November 2 to play Elche (Home) at 12.30pm ET.
Dani Carvajal hits another Real Madrid milestone.
The veteran right-back was not named in the Real Madrid starting XI today but he was called upon in the second half to help his team see out a 2-1 win. A hard-fought El Clasico victory brings up his 200th win in the white of Madrid.
Jude Bellingham stars for Madrid.
It was another big El Clasico performance from Jude Bellingham, recording a goal and an assist for Los Blancos.
His work for the first Real Madrid goal was sublime, finding space in the midfield and sliding through an inch-perfect pass for Kylian Mbappe to latch onto. Bellingham's goal was simpler, but demonstrated the poacher's instincts that defined his first season at the Bernabeu.
Seemingly fully-recovered from his shoulder surgery, Bellingham once again looks like one of the best players in world soccer.
In case you missed the controversy, here's a look back at what Lamine Yamal said about Real Madrid in the build-up to the first El Clasico of the season.
Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso tried to downplay the comments but tensions spilled over at the full time whistle on Sunday...
The Spanish right-back shakes hands with FC Barcelona's Lamine Yamal after the game. / Albert Gea / REUTERS
Dani Carvajal enjoys the win over Lamine Yamal.
Tensions flared at the end of Sunday's El Clasico and not everyone was happy with the actions of Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal. He sought out Lamine Yamal on the full time whistle and seemed to delight in the win.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong said of his actions: "Carvajal can talk to Lamine privately. Making gestures on the field, you do the same. If you’re a teammate and you know him, you can call him instead of doing it on the field."
Kylian Mbappe haunts Barcelona again.
Another goal for Kylian Mbappe today, taking his 2025/26 Real Madrid tally to 16 goals in 12 games.
He also continued his impressive record against Barcelona. The Frenchman has now scored 12 goals in nine games, only four off the tally that Karim Benzema managed in 46 games.
Tchouameni speaks to reporters after El Clasico win.
“We’re very happy with the win today, we did what we had to do – the game plan."
"We have to go on like this, it’s only three points, we have other points to win and we have to step up.”
“If Lamine [Yamal] wants to talk, that’s no problem. The game is played on the pitch and we won. We’re very happy with our game and we’re going to look forward.”
Xabi Alonso makes wining start as El Clasico coach.
The Spaniard becomes the first Real Madrid head coach to win his first El Clasico fixture since Zinedine Zidane in 2016. Alonso has now won nine of his first ten LaLiga fixtures with Los Blancos, only suffering one freak loss to Atletico Madrid.
It's a glorious start for Alonso as he looks to reshape a team around a core of elite attacking talents.
Teams clash after tense El Clasico. / Chema moya / EFE
Real Madrid and Barcelona may face disciplinary action after El Clasico scuffle.
After an action-packed first half and a tension-heavy second, two hours of emotions spilled over at the final whistle at the Bernabeu. Players from both teams clashed, with Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvajal paying particular attention to Lamine Yamal.
The referee did not appear to issue any cards in the on-field melee but it would not be a surprise to see LaLiga take a closer look at what happened in the coming days.
Dani Carvajal takes aim at Lamine Yamal.
The Real Madrid veteran came off the bench at the Bernabeu and he successfully helped his team see out the win over Barcelona.
On the full time whistle Carvajal didn't hang about and immediately took aim at Barcelona's young winger Lamine Yamal.
Vinicius and Yamal clash after tense El Clasico.
There was no shortage of incident in today's game and the action continued after the full time whistle.
Vincius Jr appeared to throw a 'keep talking' gesture in the direction of Lamine Yamal, who had been outspoken ahead of El Clasico. Both sets of players and coaches quickly piled in and chaos ensued on the touchline at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid triumph with Mbappe, Bellingham goals.
In big games, you need the big-game players to stand up.
And that's exactly what Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe did in the first El Clasico of the year. Top performances from the two Madrid superstars, putting together one of the best showings under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Frustrations bubble over at the Bernabeu.
Things have cooled down now but there was a significant clash between the team squad after the full time whistle.
It looked like Dani Carvajal may have gestured in the direction of Lamine Yamal, who made some controversial pregame remarks about Madrid.
Injured players square up after fractious El Clasico.
Difficult to see exactly what went on but Raphinha was in the middle of the scuffle for Barcelona, despite not being in the matchday squad. Likewise, it looked like the injured Antonio Rudiger was involved from the Madrid side.
Scuffles continue between the two teams.
The game is over but the action is not!
There's confrontations all over the place as players, staff and officials from both teams clash near the touchline. There's police on the field in an attempt to separate the two teams.
Real Madrid go five points clear with statement win.
Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were enough to give Madrid a big three points and a priceless El Clasico victory at the Bernabeu.
Full time: Real Madrid 2-1 FC Barcelona
It's a massive win for Real Madrid after an action-packed El Clasico at the Bernabeu.
Pedri (second yellow)
The Barcelona midfielder is sent off and chaos erupts on the touchline.
Both benches are out and there's plenty of pushing and shoving as tensions soar at the death here.
Pedri brings the ball forward for Madrid but loses control of the ball. He lunges forward in desperation and gives away a foul.
He could be in trouble here...
Into the final minute of the nine, Madrid take the corner kick short with Ceballos. Can they see out the final few minutes for the win?
Brilliant driving run from Camavinga brings the ball forward for Madrid and wins a free kick 30 yards from the Barcelona goal. That'll eat up some more time for the hosts.
Rodrygo takes the free kick and it's pushed out for a corner.
We're into the final two minutes of the allotted nine of added time.
Rashford, Yamal and Araujo are playing as a front three as Barcelona search desperately for a leveler.
A right-footed effort from Casado is blocked by Tchouameni in the box and Barcelona win a corner kick. It's played short but nothing comes of it.
Real Madrid win a goal kick.
Every Real Madrid player is without 30 yards of Courtois' goal now as they sit back to make life tough for Barcelona.
Out of nowhere, Madrid counter and Rodrygo finds himself in space on the left flank. The Brazilian tries to curl a right-footed shot past Szscesny but the Barcelona stopped saves comfortably.
Barcelona do well to play out of a Madrid press in their own penalty box. They come up-field with De Jong, who works the ball out to Pedri on the right flank.
The diminutive midfielder gets to the touchline and clips in a cross but it's easily claimed by Courtois.
Real Madrid make a double change. Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham are off, replaced by Gonzalo Garcia and Dani Ceballos.
We're going to have nine minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
This one is not over yet!
Big chance for Kounde!
A clever chipped pass from Lamine Yamal finds Jules Kounde running into the Madrid box. He's only ten yards from goal but decides to take a touch and the ball bounces through to Courtois.
A big chance missed for Kounde, with time running out.
Brilliant touch down Kylian Mbappe to get clear of Ronald Aruajo on the left flank. He sprints into the penalty box and tries his luck on his left foot but the angle is tight his effort is dragged wide of the goal.
That brief injury break gives Barcelona a moment to pause and prepare for the final few minutes of the first El Clasico of the season.
We haven't really seen anything from Marcus Rashford as center forward so far and Yamal has struggled to find any space.
Camavinga is the first Madrid player to go down with cramp, requiring assistance form his teammates.
In fairness, the Frenchman has got through a tremendous amount of running today.
Now a bit of space for Barcelona as Yamal dances through the midfield. Madrid do enough to slow the attack but Barcelona retain possession.
The visitors try to pick their way through the Madrid defense to a chorus of whistles from the Bernabeu crowd.
Is this a point where Barcelona will really miss Hansi Flick's presence on the touchline?
You sense that they are running out of ideas slightly against a resolute Madrid defense. Without their suspended head coach on the touchline, Barcelona haven't really been able to build any attacking momentum as they chase the game.
Barcelona pinch the ball off Bellingham in the midfield and Rashford is sent racing through down the left. Militao sprints across to put in a heavy challenge and clear the danger.
Offside flag up on Rashford.
Rodrygo swings in a corner kick form the right but it's well-cleared by Barcelona.
Madrid go all the way back to Courtois, who punts the ball back up-field.
Into the final ten, Madrid are managing to kill Barcelona's momentum in attack. The visitors have struggled to make any clear-cut chances this half.
Barcelona will have to start to push now. Pedri pings the ball out to Yamal on the right but the youngster sees his cross headed clear by Dani Carvajal.
Will Carvajal's experience prove decisive for Madrid?
With Torres now off, it'll be Marcus Rashford to lead the line for Barcelona for the final 15 minutes of normal time.
We haven't seen much from the Englishman so far but he did provide a neat assist from the Fermin Lopez goal and he's in good goalscoring form.
Double change for the visitors now.
Ronald Aruajo and Marc Casado come on, Eric Garcia and Feran Torres are off.
Big reaction from Vinicius as he heads off the pitch there, shouting and gesticulating in the direction of Xabi Alonso.
He's not sticking around to watch the remainder of the game, either. The Brazilian forward heads straight for the locker room.
Double change for Real Madrid.
It's Vinicius Jr and Feder Valverde coming off, with Rodrygo and Dani Carvajal coming on.
Vinicius Jr is absolutely fuming with that decision.
Into the final 20 minutes now, it's all to play for in Madrid.
The second half has been played at a less chaotic pace but there have still been chances for both teams. You sense that there will be at least one more goal in this game, but who for?
Offside - Real Madrid goal
Jude Bellingham has the ball in the back of the net again but the flag is quickly raised. Brahim Diaz had strayed offside in the build-up.
Correct decision, but a promising moment from Real Madrid.
Lamine Yamal tries at outrageous out-of-the-boot pass towards Ferrn Torres, rushing in behind the Madrid backline. It's a fantastic idea but Courtois gets out quick enough to intercept.
Clever ball from Bellingham finds Mbappe on the edge of the Barcelona box. The Frenchman rolls the ball out the Vinicius, who fires wide from 20 yards.
First change of the game is from Real Madrid.
It's Brahim Diaz who comes on, replacing Arda Guler.
Kylian Mbappe sees spot kick saved. / OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP
Incredible penalty save from Szscesny
Will this moment prove crucial? Real Madrid were gifted a golden chance to take a two-goal lead but the Polish goalkeeper made a stunning stop to deny Kylian Mbappe a second goal of the game.
Who will be the first to turn to their bench? There's plenty of quality in reserve for both teams.
Barcelona are increasingly looking for Lamine Yamal and he's being given a bit more space than he had in the first half. You sense that there's a big moment to come from the younger winger.
Good, sharp break from Barcelona but Madrid get players back in time to defend.
Madrid regain possession but Bellingham punts the ball forward, intercepted by Szscesny in the Barcelona goal.
This game has been played at a frenetic pace. It's basketball stuff as these two heavyweights career from one end to the other.
It's a teasing cross lofted in by Rashford, looking for Fermin Lopez at the back post. The Barcelona midfielder can't quite connect and Madrid break up-field from Militao.
Hefty challenge from Dean Huijsen to bring down Fermin Lopez on the edge of the box.
It's a free kick to Barcelona on the edge of the Madrid box, right of center. It'll be Rashford to take it...
That penalty save appears to have given Barcelona a start of energy to start the second half, pushing Madrid back for the first time in the game. Yamal makes good progress on the right but Carreras does well to intercept the youngster.
An incredibly dramatic start to the second half at the Bernabeu!
Barcleona counter attack and Fermin Lopez drives straight through the middle of the midfield and latches onto the ball. He has space to shoot from 25 yards out but Courtois saves well.
Penalty saved!
Sensational diving save from Szscesny, leaping across to his right to keep Mbappe's penalty out!
Justice maybe served, there.
VAR decision - Real Madrid penalty
Very, very harsh on Barcelona but the spot kick is awarded.
Mbappe steps up to take it...
VAR check -Real Madrid penalty
Incredibly, the referee is going across to check on the monitor.
On second viewing it was actually Eric Garcia who slide across to make the block. The ball took two deflections before clipping Garcia's arm form close range.
And yet, the referee is giving this one real consideration...
Big shouts for a Real Madrid penalty as Fermin Lopez slides across to tackle Jude Bellingham in the box. He gets the block in well but the ball bounces back and clips his arm.
Real Madrid want a penalty...
Madrid come back on the offensive and win a corner kick. It's swung in from the left and Tchouameni rises to connect with the cross but his header flies over the bar.
Sharp start form Barcelona, flying forward with Rashford down the left. He finds Lopez on the edge of the box but the midfielder's 20-yard strike does not trouble Courtois.
That's a promising start from the visitors, though.
No changes for either team at the break.
And we're back!
Barcelona get the second half underway at the Bernabeu...
Jude Bellingham stars in historic first-half showing.
With a goal and a pin-point assist, Jude Bellingham has been at the center of everything good so far for the hosts. Still only 21 years old, he's the youngest player to score and assist in El Clasico this century.
Will Real Madrid make a change?
Nothing confirmed yet, but Real Madrid may be considering a switch at the break.
Fede Valverde is filling in at right-back today and has already picked up a yellow card. With options like Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, Xabi Alonso may opt to take off Valverde and avoid a second yellow.
Real Madrid lead Barcelona at half time. / Susana Vera / REUTERS
Can Lamine Yamal strike back after the break?
We haven't seen much of Lamine Yamal in the first half at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 18-year-old starlet has had a rough reception from the Real Madrid fans, partly owing to some controversial midweek comments about Los Blancos.
But you would not rule out a big involvement from the Barcelona '10' in the second half. Let's see what he can do...
Kylan Mbappe so close to El Clasico 'golazo'.
The Frenchman got his goal eventually but he nearly scored one of the best El Clasico goals of recent years, firing a stunning 25-yard volley past Szscesny in the opening stages. But it wasn't to be as a VAR check later found that the Frenchman had been a few inches offside when he received the ball.
Here's how close it was...
Kylian Mbappe continues red-hot streak
Who else? Real Madrid caused problems throughout the first half and Kylian Mbappe was a big part of that, racing onto through-balls behind the Barcelona back line and finding the back of the net twice.
One of them - a stunning 25-yard volley - was ruled out for offside but Mbappe has been a danger throughout. You sense that there may be more goals to come for the Frenchman.
Half time: Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona
A thrilling half of action comes to an end in the Spanish capital. El Clasico rarely disappoints, and it certainly hasn't today.
Into the final minute of the six added, Barcelona are looking to fashion one last chance to a chorus of whistles from the Bernabeu crowd. De Jong tries to dance through the midfield but he's dispossessed and Madrid burst forward with Vinicius.
Valverde is penalized for a foul on Rashford on the left wing. Barcelona take the free kick short and find Ferran Torres on the edge of the box but his right-shooted shot is easily saved by Courtois.
Nearly another opening for Madrid as Bellingham finds Mbappe on the edge of the Barcelona box. The Frenchman tries to make space for a shot but he's crowded out by Barcelona defenders.
Alvaro Carreras tries to run the ball up-field but the Madrid left-back is tackled and Barcelona counter. Rashford tries a neat through-ball on the edge of the box but Madrid have enough players back to clear the danger.
We're having six minutes of added time at the end of the thrilling half of soccer.
Real Madrid goal - Offside
The hosts have the ball in the back of the net again but this time the flag is up. Breathless finish to the half.
The Real Madrid fans are back on the their feet to close out the first half. It's been a thrilling opening 45 minutes. Madrid want more though...
Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona (Bellingham 43')
The goal was created by Vinicius Jr, who burned past Kounde on the left. His deep cross was headed back across goal and Bellingham had the simplest possible job to tap the ball into an empty net.
GOOOOAAAAAL! Jude Bellingham
Incredible! Jude Bellingham is there in the right place to tap the ball home.
Madrid are ahead again, sucker punch for Barcleona!
Barcelona swing in the corner kick and Fermin Lopez forces a smart stop from Huijsen on the line. Madrid looking a little shaky now.
Barcelona have a bit of confidence now and the visitors launch a rapid counter-attack after a Madrid corner breaks down. Pedri sprints up-field but his progress is blocked by Camavinga, who concedes a corner kick.
Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona (Fermin 38')
It all came from a moment of indecision from Arda Guler. The Turkish midfielder lost possession on the edge of his own box and Barcelona shifted the ball out to Rashford on the left. The Manchester United loanee found Fermin Lopez in the middle of the box and he made no mistake form close range.
Huge frustration for Madrid.
GOOOOAAAAAL! Fermin Lopez
And just like that, Barcelona are level! Brilliant from Barcelona to pounce on a Madrid mistake and the midfielder fires home from close range.
All square and the Bernabeu!
With little over five minutes to go in the first half, it's difficult to know which team will be the happier with this scoreline.
Madrid have been the more dangerous team but they haven't really taken full advantage of their chances.
Good run forward from Alvaro Carreras down the left for Madrid. He cuts the ball back to the edge of the box, where Bellingham runs on to it. He keeps the ball low but it's easily saved by Szscesny.
Big chance for Vinicius!
Another Madrid counter-attack finds Mbappe in the right-sided channel. This time he cuts back and slides the ball across to Vinicius - he shifts the ball onto his right foot and tries to curl one past Szscesny but the Polish goalkeeper gets across well to save.
Big chance for Barcleona as Ferran Torres latches onto a loose ball on the edge of the Madrid box. He aims low, for the bottom right corner, but Courtois gets down well to save.
Kylian Mbappe haunts Barcelona again.
He's had the ball in the back of the Barcelona net twice already today. Is there more to come from Mbappe today?
Nearly another chance for Mbappe as he sprints in behind the Barcelona defense. The danger is cleared but Barcelona's high line is looking increasingly problematic.
Without Hansi Flick on the touchline, will Barcelona consider a change?
Huijsen comes close!
Clever pass is lifted into the Barcelona box and the Spanish defender dives forward to poke the ball towards goal. Szscesny leaps across to his left to save and push the ball wide.
Bellingham draws a foul on the right flank. It's taken quickly to Mbappe, who forces a sharp save from Szczesny. Corner kick to Madrid.
Heavy touch from Lamine Yamal allows Vinicius to nip in and win his team a throw-in. Huge cheers from the Madrid fans.
It's fair to say that the Bernabeu crowd enjoyed that, particularly after Yamal's midweek comments.
Barcelona finally enjoy a bit of possession in the Madrid half, looking for a way through a tight defensive block. Madrid won't mind this - sitting back, waiting for the chance to counter-attack.
Powerful run from Bellingham to force a corner kick for Madrid. It's taken short and bounces to Valverde, who fires over the crossbar from 25 yards out.
Real Madrid are ahead and you can't say that they don't deserve it.
The Bernabeu is bouncing as the home crowd celebrates this early lead.
Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona (Mbappe 22')
Confirmed, the goal will stand.
It was a brilliant run from Mbappe, latching onto a through ball and firing low and hard past Wojciech Szczesny. Anothe goal for LaLiga's leading scorer.
GOOOOAAAAAL! Kylian Mbappe
The Madrid forward gets in behind the Barcelona back line and slots the ball home coolly. Big goal for the hosts!
Lamine Yamal tries to take on Carreras but the Madird left-back does well to shepherd him out wide and win a throw-in.
Barcelona defender Cubarsi lines up an ambitious shot from 35 yards but Vinicius Jr gets back to put a block in. Good work from the Brazilian.
Interesting to see that Bellingham is playing from a deeper position than he did during his first two seasons with Madrid. The Englishman is often alongside Tchouameni at the base of the midfield, picking up the ball of the Madrid defense and looking to play forward.
Barcelona try to exert a bit of control on the game, looking to build some confidence after a shaky start.
Bellingham is nearly caught in possession on the edge of the Madrid box but Courtois punts the ball clear to avert a crisis.
More drama there as Mbappe's strike is ruled out for a tight offside. On second viewing, Mbappe was slightly ahead of the deepest Barcelona defender when he latched onto the ball.
Incredible work from Mbappe to score from that distance, but the correct decision was made.
VAR - No goal, offside.
Hold on - no goal. Ruled out for offside!
Mbappe pounced on a loose ball in the midfield, swiveled and lashed a fierce half-volley home from distance. A sensational, ruthless strike from the Frenchman but it won't stand.
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAL! Kylian Mbappe
Sensational! A 25-yard volley from the Frenchman flies into the top corner!
What a strike to take the lead!
A closer look at the non-penalty for Real Madrid.
What do you think, penalty or not?
Ten minutes in and we've already seen a real contentious moment with that non-penalty for Real Madrid.
The referee flagged for a foul but was advised to change his decision after heading to the VAR monitor. However the replay shown to the referee was far-from clear. Will that prove decisive?
First sight of goal for Yamal as he cuts inside from the right and tries to curl one into the far corner. His effort flies wide of Courtois' post.
Good run forward from Balde but the Barcelona left-back if flagged offside.
A breathless start to this one at the Bernabeu.
Huge whistles from the home crowd as Barcelona try to play out from the back. Barcelona manage to switch the play over the Rashford on the left and he bursts forward. Madrid just about manage to stop the Englishman on the edge of the box.
VAR decision - No penalty!
Drama from the off here! The referee overrules his decision, no penalty for Madrid.
That will be a controversial one in the days to come! It was not a clear-cut decision, to say the least.
The referee is going over to look at the VAR screen. It's actually the foul that he is checking, did Yamal get a touch on the ball before clashing with Vinicius?
Hold on... We've got a VAR check for a potential offside, will the penalty stand?
Penalty to Real Madrid!
Lightening-quick counter-attack from Madrid and Yamal hacks down Vincius in the box. Spot kick for Madrid!
It's Rashford to swing in a corner from the left but Courtois punches clear.
Barcelona on the front foot from the off as Fermin Lopez tries to get Lamine Yamal away on the right. Madrid get back to cover but Marcus Rashford forces a corner kick for the hosts.
We're away!
Real Madrid get the game underway in a fervent atmosphere at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid ready to take on Barcelona.
The two teams are out, the stage is set. The first El Clasico of 2025/26 is ready for the off...
We're nearly ready for the off in Madrid!
The two teams are in the tunnel at the Santiago Bernabeu, ready to take to the field. Everything to play for in the first El Clasico of the season...
Here's everything you need to know about the new-look sponsor on the front of those iconic Barcelona jerseys today, it's all part of a collaboration between the team and Spotify...
Big names out in NYC, pulling for Barcelona.
Legendary Spanish defender Carlos Puyol and British songwriter Ed Sheeran may not seen like the most natural partnership but they are united in their support of Barcelona today. With Sheeran promoting his new album, there's a special link between his record and the Catalan club...
Santiago Bernabeu awaits first El Clasico clash of 2025/26.
The two sets of players are being put through their paces in the Spanish capital. Who will come out on top today in this finely-balanced derby clash?
Real Madrid and Barcelona players prepare for kick-off / OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP
Real Madrid and Barcelona players prepare for kick-off / Chema Moya / EFE
Real Madrid and Barcelona players prepare for kick-off / JAVIER SORIANO / AFP
Real Madrid and Barcelona players prepare for kick-off / OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP
Real Madrid are out at the Bernabeu.
Incredible noise inside the the Santiago Bernabeu as the home side takes to the field for the warm-ups. Real Madrid look to have found some form in recent weeks and boast Kylian Mbappe in attack, one of the world's most in-form players.
Lamine Yamal takes aim at Madrid ahead of Clasico.
Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal is not afraid of speaking his mind and courted controversy in the build-up to El Clasico.
Referencing Barcelona president Joan Laporta's claim that there is a “white hand” involved in LaLiga decision-making, Yamal said: “Yes, they steal, they complain, they do things...”
Let's see what sort of reception he gets at the Bernabeu today...
Can Barcelona draw level in all-time El Clasico standings?
El Clasico has an incredible history, dating back to a first meeting in 1902. Although most of the early games were friendly fixtures, the rivalry really got going with the introduction of LaLiga in 1929.
Over 123 years of El Clasico fixtures, Real Madrid have a narrow advantage. But today could be the day that Barcelona finally draw level with the old rivals.
Some of the finest players of the planet will be on show at the Bernabeu today, but one of the coaches will not. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick is suspended for the first El Clasico of the season, here's why...
Atmosphere intensifies ahead of El Clasico.
There are few sporting events on the planet that can match the history, the drama, the spectacle of El Clasico. There's little over half an hour to go until kick-off and things are getting heated.
Supporters arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first El Clasico fixture of the season. / Rodrigo Jiménez / EFE
Fans of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona gather at the stadium. / Rodrigo Jiménez / EFE
The teams arrive at the Bernabeu. / Rodrigo Jiménez / EFE
Barcelona team news: Explained.
And now onto the visitors. The big injury story heading into today's game is the continued absence of Robert Lewandowski for Barcelona, although head coach Hansi Flick has plenty of other attacking options to call upon.
Today, he's opted to give Marcus Rashford the start in his first-ever El Clasico while Fermin Lopez is rewarded for his midweek hat-trick in the Champions League. Fernan Torres and Lamine Yamal complete a dynamic Barcelona frontline.
Real Madrid team news: Explained.
So, let's take a look at the hosts' team for today. Xabi Alonso opts to continue with captain Fede Valvede at right-back, although Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the bench for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury in September.
In attack, Arda Guler is favored over Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono. He joins Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr in a fluid three behind LaLiga leading goalscorer Kylian Mbappe.
Recap: Real Madrid vs Barcelona, 2023/24
To find the most recent Real Madrid win over Barcelona you have to go all the way back to the 2023/24 season. Despite going a goal down early on, Real Madrid fought back and took the game with a dramatic late winner from Jude Bellingham.
Recap: Real Madrid vs Barcelona, 2024/25
In this fixture last season, Barcelona humbled Madrid in the Spanish capital with a famous four-goal win. Hansi Flick's team destroyed a listless Madrid to go six points clear at the top of the table.
Recap: Barcelona vs Real Madrid, 2024/25
The most recent meeting between these two teams was an absolute thriller. Real Madrid took a 2-0 lead in Barcelona but the hosts fought back with goals from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to secure a famous 4-3 win.
Let's take a look back at recent meetings...
With around an hour to go until kick-off in the Spanish capital, let's take a look back at some recent meetings between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Incredibly, the last four El Clasicos have each been won by Barcelona and Madrid will be eager to prevent a historic fifth straight loss today.
Inside the Real Madrid locker room!
One of the greatest stages in the world of sport, Real Madrid's illustrious Estadio Santiago Bernabeu will be the venue for today's game. Here's a sneak peak at the Madrid locker room, with the jerseys proudly on display ahead of the first El Clasico fixture of 2025/26.
Some of the greatest players in soccer history have worn the colors of either Real Madrid and Barcelona but only a very select few have played for both.
Even smaller is the group who have scored in El Clasico for both. Here's those names...
El Clasico: How the teams line up
Here's a closer look at the starting XIs for Real Madrid and Barcelona, both of whom are able to name pretty close to full-strength teams today.
Real Madrid welcome back Trent Alexander-Arnold to the bench, but Barcelona are still without veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.
Thibaut Courtois ready for FCB challenge. / JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELA / DIARIO AS
Courtois: "Both teams are arriving in good form"
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is looking forward to today's meeting with Barcelona: “Both teams are arriving in good form. It'll be a great game. Last year we lost some games against them.
The hosts are currently two points ahead of Barcelona in the table but have not fully impressed yet under new head coach Xabi Alonso.
“This year, for La Liga, it is important that we win, that we open up a gap," he said. “But it'll be a great game, two very good teams, we have respect for them, and have to prepare well.”
Barcelona team news!
And here's how the visitors line up today, starting with a front three of Lamine Yamal, Fernan Torres and Marcus Rashford.
Szczesny; Kounde, Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, De Jong, Lopez; Yamal, Torres, Rashford.
Real Madrid team news!
Here we go, confirmed team news for the hosts...
Courtois; Valverde, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe.
El Clasico is here!
Is there a bigger game in soccer? The two biggest, best and most illustrious teams in Spanish soccer go head-to-head in a rivalry game that everything.
Once again it's Real Madrid and Barcelona challenging at the top of LaLiga, who will come out on top this time around?
They are two of the most widely-supported sports teams on the planet and even you favorites stars will be eagerly watching on as Real Madrid take on FC Barcelona in the first El Clasico clash of the season.
From Luka Doncic to Lady Gaga, here's who the celebrities will be pulling for...
Sneak peak inside the Barcelona locker room.
Here's how Hansi Flick's team are preparing for today's game. There's a new sponsor on those iconic blaugrana jerseys, a special initiative to publicize the new Ed Sheeran album. More on that shortly...
The stage is set!
The Santiago Bernabeu will play host to today's El Clasico. The newly-renovated stadium is now it's it's final form and the billion-euro remodeling has produced one of the finest sports venues on the planet.
Real Madrid head coach ready for El Clasico clash
"It’s clear. El Clásico is special. It has been for many years and will continue to be so in the years to come. It’s the first one of this season, of this new project, and we need... we want the stadium to have that energy of big games, of special games."
"We want it to vibrate, to push us forward. We know there will be moments for everything during the game, but hopefully we’ll end up celebrating with our fans.”
New names looking to make El Clasico history
More, perhaps, than nay other fixture in soccer history, Real Madrid's games against Barcelona have been defined by 'The Ten'. In recent years some of the greatest players in the world have donned the iconic '10' for each team and this year there's two new stars taking on the mantle.
It's Kylian Mbappe vs Lamine Yamal this time around.
Barcelona star on the challenge of facing Real Madrid
Last year we showed what we are capable of against Madrid, beating them four times and feeling like we were on top of the games. This year, it’s a new match. They will want revenge, but we have to be ourselves, as we were last season, and trust in our game.
Both Illustrious names in European soccer, new head coach Xabi Alonso is a marked difference from previous boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Here, Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham explains how the two men vary in style and substance...
Barcelona: Form guide
Barcelona's 2025/26 form has been nearly as good as Los Blancos, although they sit two points off the pace at the top of LaLiga. FCB have racked up seven wins, one draw and one loss from their nine games, the sole losing coming via a shock 4-1 defeat against Sevilla.
Nevertheless, Barcelona are able to call upon some of the most exciting attacking players in world soccer and they will be eager to overtake Madrid in the standings today.
Real Madrid: Form guide
First up, let's take a look at the form of the two teams. As mentioned it's Real Madrid who hold a narrow lead in LaLiga terms, having picked up 24 points from their first nine game. That translates to eight wins from their nine fixtures, but the one loss will be a concern for head coach Xabi Alonso. Last month Madrid suffered a chastening 5-2 loss to rivals Atletico Madrid, a game that showed that Alonso's side are far from the finished product.
Hello and welcome to our Real Madrid - FC Barcelona live blog for Sunday, October 26.
It's the first El Clasico of the season, a first meeting between Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid and reigning champions FC Barcelona. Going into the game Madrid are two points ahead of the old rivals at the top of LaLiga, but they have been stung by a heavy loss to Atletico Madrid earlier in the season.
I'm Will Gittins, AS USA soccer expert, and I'll be taking you through all the action from the Spanish capital. Away we go!
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