Bellingham secures El Classico win with late strike

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Jude Bellingham has scored 21 goals across all competitions this season. Photo credit: Reuters
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Real Madrid emerged victorious over Barcelona with a late winner from Jude Bellingham, propelling them 11 points clear at the top of La Liga.

The thrilling El Clasico showdown, at the Bernabeu saw both teams battling fiercely, with Andres Christensen initially putting Barcelona in the lead with a powerful header off Raphinha’s corner.

The game took another dramatic turn when Lamine Yamal’s goal for Barcelona was disallowed after VAR intervention, leaving the visitors frustrated.

However, Real Madrid quickly responded, as a penalty converted by Vinicius Jr. leveled the score before halftime.

Barcelona regained the lead in the second half through Fermin Lopez’s close-range finish, but once again, Real Madrid found an equaliser, with Lucas Vazquez nodding in a cross from Vinicius.

In the dying moments of stoppage time, Bellingham delivered the decisive blow for Real Madrid, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to seal a memorable victory.

The goal from the England international means he has now scored three times against the Catalan club having scored a brace in the reverse fixture months ago to seal a comeback win.

With this win, Real Madrid solidifies their position at the top of the table and inches closer to reclaiming the La Liga title, with only six games remaining in the season.

For Barcelona is the result further dashes their hopes of winning a silverware having suffered a knockout in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week from PSG.

Real Madrid’s victory extends their unbeaten streak across all competitions to 28 matches, comprising 22 wins and six draws. Their last defeat at home occurred against Villarreal on April 8, 2023.