Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic late winner as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona in a thrilling El Clasico, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to 11 points.
Bellingham’s decisive strike came in stoppage time at the Bernabeu, capping off a comeback for Real Madrid who had twice equalized after falling behind.
Andres Christensen opened the scoring for Barcelona, but a Vinicius Jr penalty leveled the game at halftime.
Fermin Lopez restored Barcelona’s lead, only for Lucas Vazquez to equalize again.
The victory puts Real Madrid in a strong position to reclaim the La Liga title, with just six games remaining in the season.
The match started positively for Barcelona, with Christensen heading in a corner after six minutes. However, Vinicius Jr’s penalty leveled the score after Pau Cubarsi fouled Vazquez in the box.
Barcelona thought they had regained the lead when Lamine Yamal’s flicked header was clawed away by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, but VAR ruled it did not cross the line.
In the second half, Lopez put Barcelona ahead again, but Vazquez equalized for Real Madrid shortly after.
The win extends Real Madrid’s unbeaten run across all competitions to 28 matches, with their last home loss coming against Villarreal in April 2023.
🤍 “¡VAMOSSSSSSSSS!” 🤍#ElClásico pic.twitter.com/k8sehVjHOD
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 21, 2024
Bellingham’s late goal continued his trend of delivering in big matches for Real Madrid, following his brace in the previous El Clasico. His winner makes him the first Real player to score in his first two La Liga El Clasicos since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2007.
Since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund for 103 million euros (ÂŁ88.5m), Bellingham has been a standout performer for Real Madrid, currently the second-highest scorer in La Liga with 17 goals.
Barcelona coach Xavi was left frustrated by VAR’s inability to confirm Yamal’s effort had crossed the line.
“It’s a disgrace,” said Xavi, complaining that the goalline technology used in other top flights including the Premier League is not available in La Liga.
“If we want to be the best league in the world we have to advance in this sense, you have to put in the technology.”
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen agreed with his coach.
“It’s shameful for football, I don’t have the words,” said the Germany international.
“There’s so much money in this world and there’s no money for what’s most important.”