Big Match Recap: Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid
Report, reaction, stats and takeaways.
Jude Bellingham scored a double on his Clasico debut as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Barcelona 2-1.
Having cancelled out Ilkay Gundogan’s cool opener with a quite sensational long-range strike, Madrid’s latest Galactico popped up with the winner in the 92nd minute of Saturday’s clash between LaLiga’s biggest rivals at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
The 20-year-old, who had to shake off a groin issue to play against Barca, had been kept under lock and key for much of the game, though, with Gavi doing an excellent man-marking job in midfield.
Indeed, it was a similar story for all of Madrid’s key attackers, with Los Blancos failing to have a shot on target in the first half.
Madrid’s goal had lived a charmed life, too, with Fermin and Inigo Martinez both hitting the woodwork for Barca.
Yet Bellingham stepped up to make that good fortune count, to seal not only the points, but write his name into Clasico folklore as Madrid moved four points clear of their fierce rivals.
TAKEAWAYS
THE BEST IN THE WORLD?
There’s little point trying to come up with a catchy headline here — and we’re quickly running out of ways to describe just how good Bellingham is.
His equaliser was the fifth goal scored from outside the box for Madrid in a Clasico since the start of the 2003-04 season, and the first since Gareth Bale netted against Barca in May 2018.
With his winner, Bellingham became the first Madrid player to net twice on his Clasico bow in the 21st century. He has now scored 13 goals in all competitions this season and is LaLiga’s leading scorer. In fact, his 10 league goals means he has surpassed the best tally Zinedine Zidane ever managed in a Spanish top-flight campaign.
Even Barca coach Xavi simply shrugged his shoulders after Bellingham ghosted into the box to tuck home in stoppage time. What can you do to stop this kid right now? We do try to stay away from hyperbole, but is there any player on the planet in better form?
In fairness, Bellingham only found space once Madrid veteran Luka Modric entered the fray for what was his 500th appearance for the club — the very first one having come in a Clasico match. And it was Modric who prodded the ball into the youngster’s path for the winner.
It had been a frustrating day for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, with Vinicius Junior even involved in a touchline spat with Xavi, but Bellingham got the job done.
GUNDO’S CLASICO DEBUT SPOILED
Before Bellingham’s heroics, it was Gundogan who had shone on his own Clasico debut.
The former Manchester City star put Barca ahead after just five minutes and 57 seconds — the fastest Clasico goal for the Blaugrana since Neymar netted after three minutes and two seconds in October 2014.
It was a fine finish from Gundogan, who carried on his run to latch onto a loose ball ahead of the sluggish David Alaba and slotted home his first Barca goal calmly under Kepa.
He had a great all-round performance, with his 94 touches the second-highest of any Barca player, while he completed more passes (79) than any of his team-mates.
QUICK QUOTES
Xavi to DAZN
“I think we have dominated 60 minutes and football is this — when you don’t end up making it 2-0. Today we needed five or six [chances] to score a goal and Madrid with three or two and a half [chances], score two. That’s the difference today. They score two goals in 25 minutes.
“We were calm and patient and we deserved the victory. Maybe I’m exaggerating a little but from my point of view, I sincerely believe that if someone look, the game was Barca’s. But bwhen you [let Madrid off] they end up killing you."
Carlo Ancelotti in his post-match press conference
“We didn't want a draw, we wanted to win. It was a very difficult match and Barcelona were better until we started being more aggressive. Modric changed the match.
“Bellingham can score 20 or 25 goals, but we wait for the goals from the attackers — Vinicius and Rodrygo.”
MATCH STATS
Via Sofascore
By Patric Ridge