Bellingham fires for Real Madrid as they defeat Barcelona in El-Clasico

Jude Bellingham's goal helped Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a thrilling Clasico on Sunday, extending their lead over their fierce rivals to five points at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona, the reigning champions, had won all four encounters between the two teams last season, but Xabi Alonso marked his first Clasico as Real Madrid's coach with a memorable win.

Kylian Mbappe put Madrid ahead with a goal, though he later missed a penalty. Despite Fermin Lopez's equaliser for Barcelona, Bellingham restored the lead for Madrid just before halftime, a goal that ultimately proved to be the match-winner. Barca playmaker Pedri was sent off in the final stages for a second yellow card as tensions spilled over in the Spanish capital.

Madrid's victory means they have won nine of their opening 10 league games, and Alonso's side proved against Barca that they can triumph on the big occasion, following their derby humbling by Atletico Madrid in September.

Hansi Flick's team were led on the touchline by his assistant Marcus Sorg, as the German coach was suspended following a red card last weekend as they scraped a victory over relegation-battling Girona.

Barcelona were missing several key players, including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo, among others. Lamine Yamal, who is still recovering from a groin injury, was included in the starting lineup but didn't seem fully fit. The young forward had stirred up Madrid fans earlier in the week by accusing Los Blancos of "stealing" and "complaining," so it was no surprise that he was met with a chorus of boos when his name was announced before the match.

While Barcelona enjoyed more possession in the first half, much of it was ineffective, with Madrid creating the more dangerous chances. The hosts were awarded an early penalty when Yamal appeared to bring down Vinicius Junior. However, it was cancelled after a VAR review as it was the Brazilian who initiated the contact.

Madrid fans' ire at the officials grew when Mbappe blasted home from outside the area, but the goal was ruled out for a millimetre offside against the French superstar.

Mbappe did not have long to wait before he could celebrate in earnest, after superb work by Bellingham sent him through on goal. The forward, the division's top goalscorer, netted his 11th league goal of the campaign with a lethal low finish past Wojciech Szczesny.

Szczesny stopped efforts from Vinicius and Bellingham again, and it was against the run of play when Barcelona equalised. Arda Guler gave away possession in a dangerous area and Marcus Rashford, playing in his first Clasico, crossed for Lopez to blast the visitors level in the 38th minute.

Bellingham struck Madrid's second five minutes later to give Los Blancos a deserved advantage at the interval.

Madrid should have extended their lead at the start of the second half but Szczesny made a fine save to push out Mbappe's penalty, after Eric Garcia was penalised for handball.

Yamal, frustrated and struggling to make an impact on the game, sent a long-range shot high over the bar as Madrid closed ranks and kept the Catalans at a safe distance from their goal.

Pedri was sent off in the final seconds for a second yellow card for a late foul on Aurelien Tchouameni, sparking a brief sideline shoving match, while players from both sides rowed after the final whistle.