In a high-stakes La Liga showdown, Real Madrid emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over arch-rivals Barcelona, extending their lead at the top of the table to five points. The match, held at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, saw Jude Bellingham play a pivotal role, scoring the decisive goal. This marked a significant turnaround for Real Madrid, who had lost all four encounters against Barcelona last season. Under the guidance of new coach Xabi Alonso, the team showcased resilience and tactical prowess. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Madrid, but Fermin Lopez equalized for Barcelona. Bellingham’s strike before halftime proved to be the match-winner. The game was marred by tensions, culminating in the dismissal of Barcelona’s Pedri for a second yellow card. Real Madrid’s victory solidifies their strong start to the season, with nine wins in their first ten league matches. Despite missing key players like Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona struggled to capitalize on their possession. Madrid’s dominance was evident, with Mbappe and Bellingham creating numerous chances. The win not only boosts Madrid’s title aspirations but also highlights Alonso’s impact as a coach. Barcelona, led by assistant Marcus Sorg in Hansi Flick’s absence, remain optimistic about their season despite the setback.