Real Madrid Edge Barcelona 2–1 in a Thrilling El Clásico to Go Five Points Clear
In one of the most captivating clashes of the Spanish La Liga season, Real Madrid defeated their arch-rivals Barcelona 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the 10th round of the competition.
The victory was well-deserved for the Royal Club, who continued their fine form and climbed to the top of the league table with 27 points, while Barcelona remained second on 22 points.
Flick’s Frustration Boils Over
The match was filled with tension for the Catalan side, as head coach Hansi Flick was forced to watch from the stands due to his suspension following last week’s red card against Girona.
From his seat, the German manager could barely contain his anger at what he viewed as a disappointing display from several of his key players. Sources close to the team described Flick as “furious” with the trio most responsible for the loss, frustrated by both their lack of discipline and their failure to execute basic tactical instructions.
Lamine Yamal Endures His Toughest Night Yet
Rising Barcelona star Lamine Yamal endured what many are calling his worst performance of the season.
After stirring controversy with bold pre-match comments aimed at Real Madrid, the 17-year-old winger struggled to live up to expectations.
Yamal appeared unsettled throughout the match, frequently losing possession and failing to create danger in attack. The pressure of the occasion — combined with the weight of his own words — seemed to affect his composure.
Club insiders suggest Yamal could face serious internal scrutiny following his lacklustre display, particularly given how his pre-match remarks added unnecessary tension to an already heated encounter.
Pau Cubarsí Exposed at the Back
Defender Pau Cubarsí also endured a difficult outing. The young Spaniard, seen as a cornerstone of Barcelona’s defensive future, struggled to find his rhythm without his former partner Íñigo Martínez.
Against Real Madrid, Cubarsí was repeatedly caught out of position, exposing gaps that the home side’s attack exploited with precision. The lack of defensive coordination was glaring, as Madrid’s quick movement and intelligent passing caused persistent problems for the visiting backline.
Koundé’s Nightmare on the Right
Jules Koundé, deployed at right-back, faced an uphill battle from the opening minutes. Vinícius Júnior’s blistering pace and flair down the left flank proved too much for the Frenchman, who was unable to contain Madrid’s star winger.
Vinícius dictated the tempo in wide areas, repeatedly bypassing Koundé and forcing Barcelona’s defense into chaos. Several mistimed challenges and missed interceptions summed up a night to forget for the French international.
Madrid End Barça’s Streak
The result brought an end to Barcelona’s four-match winning streak over Real Madrid, a run that had stretched across all competitions last season.
Despite optimism heading into the fixture following a strong league start, Barcelona were ultimately undone by Madrid’s structure, superior attacking balance, and composure under pressure.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid’s victory strengthened their grip on first place, moving them to 27 points, while Barcelona remain five points adrift on 22.
The defeat represents a major setback for Hansi Flick, whose tactical setup and player choices will now come under increased scrutiny. The German coach faces a crucial period ahead as he looks to rally his squad and restore confidence before the next decisive fixtures.
The road ahead is challenging — and for Barcelona, the El Clásico defeat serves as a harsh reminder that consistency, not just talent, will define their season.
