Alonso’s Real Madrid End Clásico Curse With a Statement Win Over Barcelona

A Night That Shifted Madrid’s Season

The Santiago Bernabéu roared back to life on Sunday as Real Madrid finally broke their Clásico curse, beating Barcelona 2-1 in a fiery LaLiga showdown. For Xabi Alonso, this wasn’t just another victory it was a turning point.

After a string of frustrating results in big games, including heavy defeats to PSG and Atlético Madrid, Alonso’s side delivered a performance that oozed maturity, aggression, and belief. This time, Madrid didn’t just beat Barcelona they looked like a team rediscovering its identity.

Mbappé Strikes, Bellingham Seals It

Kylian Mbappé, ever the man for the big moment, opened the scoring after just 20 minutes, his low drive silencing the away section. Barcelona briefly hit back through Fermín López, but their joy was short-lived.

Jude Bellingham, who has made a habit of tormenting Barça since arriving in Spain, restored Madrid’s lead five minutes later. The Englishman’s goal a simple finish after Éder Militão’s header fell his way capped off a first half that felt like a power shift in Spanish football.

Though Mbappé missed a second-half penalty and Madrid had multiple goals ruled out for offside, Alonso’s men never lost control. Even a late red card for Pedri couldn’t dampen the Bernabéu’s electric atmosphere.

Alonso’s Tactical Gamble Pays Off

Alonso’s decision to sacrifice width for midfield stability was bold and brilliant. By deploying a compact 4-4-2, with Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga pressing high alongside Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler, Madrid constantly disrupted Barça’s buildup play.

It was a tactical evolution from the chaos of earlier defeats, and it gave Madrid the composure they’d been missing in high-pressure games. The players’ energy reflected their manager’s intensity measured, controlled, and relentless.

The only blemish came when Vinícius Júnior reacted angrily to being substituted, an outburst Alonso will need to manage carefully. But overall, this was the clearest evidence yet that his version of Real Madrid is starting to take shape.

Barcelona’s Defensive Woes Continue

For Barcelona, it was another night of defensive disarray. The high line that worked so well in smaller fixtures was torn apart by Madrid’s movement. Alejandro Balde played Mbappé onside for the opener, while Bellingham’s winner exposed the lack of aerial awareness at the back.

Coach Hansi Flick’s decision to start Eric García and Pau Cubarsí in central defense prioritizing passing over physicality backfired. They were tidy on the ball but overwhelmed without it. Barça’s defensive structure, once their pride, looked anything but stable.

Yamal and the Noise Around Him

Lamine Yamal’s pre-match comments about Madrid “getting all the referee calls” made him the villain of the night. Bernabéu fans jeered every touch, and while the 18-year-old winger has often thrived under pressure, this time he faded.

Despite brief flashes of brilliance, Yamal couldn’t escape the tight marking of Álvaro Carreras. Social media was quick to pounce, with Madridistas celebrating his quiet night after weeks of online sparring between fans.

The Return of Bellingham’s Brilliance

For Bellingham, this was a reminder of why he’s one of the most complete players in world football. After shoulder surgery and a slow return to form, the Englishman looked back to his best confident, intelligent, and ruthless in the box.

His combination play with Mbappé was sharp, his movement relentless. It wasn’t just his goal; it was the leadership he brought to Madrid’s midfield that stood out. When Bellingham plays like this, Real Madrid look untouchable.

A Rivalry Renewed

This Clásico wasn’t just about three points it was about pride, narrative, and identity. For Madrid, it marked the end of a painful four-match losing streak against their oldest rivals. For Alonso, it was his arrival moment as the man guiding Los Blancos into a new era.

Fans poured out of the Bernabéu singing “¡Así se gana!” This is how you win! a message as much for their rivals as for themselves.

And as the dust settled on another wild night in Spanish football, one thing felt clear: the tide of the Clásico has turned, and it’s flowing back toward Madrid.

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{Source:ESPN}

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