Bellingham strikes as Real edge Barca in tense Clasico

JUDE Bellingham’s goal helped Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 to win a tense Clasico and move five points clear of their bitter rivals at the top of La Liga yesterday.

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REAL Madrid's Jude Bellingham, right, scores his team's second goal in their clash against Barcelona yesterday. AFP

(AFP)

Champions Barcelona had won all four meetings between the teams last season, but in his first Clasico as Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso ended that run. Kylian Mbappe, who later missed a penalty, fired Madrid in front, and although Fermin Lopez levelled for the visitors at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham netted a second for the hosts before halftime, which proved decisive. Barcelona 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. Alonso's side demonstrated 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.