Clashes with Barcelona have long defined eras at Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso’s first taste of El Clasico as head coach felt like another moment of renewal.
Los Blancos defeated Barcelona 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to move five points clear at the top of La Liga.
Jude Bellingham created Kylian Mbappe’s opener and later scored the decisive goal to secure Madrid’s first victory over their rivals since 2022.
It was a significant milestone for Xabi Alonso as well as the Tolosa native became the first Real Madrid manager since Zinedine Zidane in 2016 to win his debut El Clasico, joining a select group in the club’s modern history.
“This win is worth more than three points,” Alonso said afterward, describing it as a fixture “circled in red” on Madrid’s calendar and one capable of shifting an entire season’s momentum.
Bellingham’s perfectly weighted pass set up Kylian Mbappe’s early finish, before the England midfielder restored Madrid’s lead from close range after Fermin Lopez had equalized.
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It was Bellingham’s fourth goal in five Clasico appearances, another reminder of his growing stature in decisive games.
Madrid’s victory ended a run of four straight losses to Barcelona.
“I wanted the fans to have fun and appreciate their team’s football,” Alonso reflected,
“and tonight, I think that is what we achieved.”
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