Real Madrid 3-2 Barca - La Liga LIVE: Bellingham delivers again (2024)

The El Clasico always delivers.

When my editor let me know I was going to be on this game, I simply smiled, I have watched this fixture for as long as I can remember.

Both sides have always loved a thriller, and that's what tonight was, once again. Barcelona were twice in the ascendency and twice pegged back.

The Catalonians started to run out of steam and Jude Bellingham punished them in the dying embers of the match. After this live, you know my thoughts on the superstar.

The La Liga title race is now all but over, the celebrations told that story. It looks like a 36th title is heading to the Bernabeu, they are now 11 points clear of Barca with six games to go.

As always, it's been a pleasure to pay host to all of you football lovers, it simply never gets old. What a day for the beautiful game.

As they say in Spain, adios!

Before the season started, I didn't know Jude Bellingham had these numbers in him.

We all knew Jude Bellingham was exceptional, hence why everybody was begging for his signature, but he has been a revelation in Madrid.

Being moved further up the pitch by Carlo Ancelotti has brought out the best in Bellingham, he scores goals for fun now.

Barcelona hate the sight of him, he's netted three times across the two El Clasico's - including two late winners.

The stuff of dreams for the Englishman.

You want to hear from someone else, don't you? Thought so.

Mail Sport's Pete Jensen was at the Bernabeu to witness Real Madrid taking a giant leap towards the La Liga title.

Here's your chance to read what he had to say, he's more articulate than me so you'll enjoy it!

To read his match story, click below:

Pete Jensen, Mail Sport, at the Bernabeu:

The Barcelona players' reaction said it all.

It's an uncertain time for the Catalonians, they are set to go trophyless for the first time in four years, and Xavi is departing in the summer.

Will Rafa Marquez come in? Which players will stay? Will they even be able to bring anybody in?

So many questions, not many answers...

What a manager Carlo Ancelotti is.

In his first season back at Real Madrid in 2021-22, he won both La Liga and the Champions League.

But after a poor second season on his return, some doubts started to arise. I'm pretty sure they are gone now.

An eyebrow raise is all it takes from the Italian manager to motivate his players to do magical things.

All jokes aside, he is doing an incredible job.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Barcelona goalkeeper, speaking on Premier Sports:

Has anybody got their breath back yet?

What a match, and it shows in the statistics. It swung one way and then the other. In the end, Jude Bellingham had the final say.

Real Madrid worked Marc-Andre Ter Stegen a lot, and he was partly the reason they didn't score more.

It didn't matter in the end, they got the win.

It certainly looks like Real Madrid believe they are there.

I mean, with an 11-point lead with six games to go, they basically are, so the celebration police can't disrupt these scenes.

What a week the Madristas have had, knocking out Manchester City before beating Barcelona.

They are on course for the European and domestic double.

Here is the special moment.

Just listen to that roar as Bellingham's strike hits the back of the net, they nearly took the roof of the Bernabeu.

Watch and enjoy the scenes.

Jude Bellingham certainly made me eat my words.

At half-time, I wrote a post criticising his performance, saying he had barely been involved.

Second half, he was Madrid's best player and topped it off with the winning goal.

The young England star always has to have his say, the Real Madrid fans simply adore him, and for good reason.

They belted out a rendition of 'Hey Jude' to serenade him.

There is the whistle, the Bernabeu has gone bezerk!

Jude Bellingham is Real Madrid's saviour once again, his last-gasp winner may not have just won this game, but maybe even the league.

That's what it feels like, the celebrations at the end of the match makes it look like it's game over in the title race, they are now 11 points clear with six games to play.

Barcelona led twice, but both times were pegged back pretty quickly before Bellingham settled it.

The Barcelona players and staff look gutted, it's almost certain they will end this season trophyless...

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has gone up for a corner.

It comes in and sails over him before Joao Felix smashes a strike against a Real Madrid defender.

The hosts have one minute to hold on.

As the ball crossed the line, four minutes were announced for added time.

It doesn't matter now though, Barcelona realistically need two goals to make it a meaningful evening.

Jude Bellingham has done it again!

The English midfielder has won the match and potentially even the title by smashing in Lucas Vazquez's low cross into the top corner.

Real Madrid were knocking at the door and Bellingham smashes it down. Not the first time he's scored a winner in El Clasico.

He of course ends his celebration with his signature stance.

How have Real Madrid not scored?

Luka Modric sends a free-kick to the back post and Eder Militao passes across to Jude Bellingham who is three yards out.

Somehow, Bellingham can't get the ball out of his feet and then Joselu fires wide.

I'm in disbelief that it's still 2-2!

Wow, Vinicus Jr is coming off...

He has been a thorn in the Barcelona defence all evening, but his game is cut short and he does not look happy about it.

The Brazilian winger argues with Carlo Ancelotti as he walks off the pitch, but the Madrid boss puts his arm around him to calm him down.

Joselu is the man who comes on up top.

Vinicus Jr must score, but he doesn't.

It starts with Joao Felix seeing his name in lights, but he shanks his volley into the arms of Andriy Lunin.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper launches it straight over the top for Vinicus Jr who races in, but he sends his strike straight at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

Nine times out of 10, he would bury that... this was the other one.

Jules Kounde goes into the referee's book.

The Barcelona defender reacts poorly after a challenge by Vinicius Jr, he really didn't need to do anything.

One of those silly yellow cards.

Eder Militao is on now, he didn't have to wait long.

Rodrygo is the one to make way, it looks like Carlo Ancelotti is happy with a point.

That's all they need in reality.

What a reply from Real Madrid!

The hosts weren't behind for long, Lucas Vazquez sneaks in at the back post to turn home Vinicius Jr's low cross.

That is a fantastic finish, by the way. he made it look so easy but it was far from it.

We are back level again. What a game!

Carlo Ancelotti reacts straight away with a double substitution.

Brahim Diaz and Fran Garcia are the two players who come on with Eduardo Camavinga and Toni Kroos making way.

Eder Militao was stripped and ready to come on, but Ancelotti changes his mind, he wants to hit back!

Barcelona are back in front!

It's the substitute, Fermin Lopez who reacts fastest after Andriy Lunin palmed out Lamine Yamal's cross.

Lopez kisses the badge and points to the Barcelona fans, he certainly enjoyed that one.

Barcelona have to win, and once again, they hit the front!

Oh, Ferran Torres, you have to score.

The substitute races through with Eduardo Camavinga nipping at his heels, but he flicks his effort wide.

Luckily for him, the flag goes up, but even so, the net had to ripple there - even if it wouldn't have counted.

That is Robert Lewandowski's last action of the match, he is replaced by Ferran Torres.

Joao Felix also enters the fray, he comes on for Raphinha who struggled on the left-hand side.

Felix has never scored against Real Madrid... can he change that today?

That would have been some goal by Robert Lewandowski.

Ronald Araujo sends the Pole in with a beautiful long ball, and the striker sees Andriy Lunin off his line, but his lob goes well wide.

If he managed to find the back of the net with that effort, it would have been sensational.

Federico Valverde loves a physical battle... maybe too much.

The midfielder is the reason Frenkie de Jong left the pitch on a stretcher, and this time he tussles Robert Lewandowski to the ground.

It was rightly given a foul.

Wow, what a pass from Jude Bellingham.

I barely heard his name in the first half, but now he is the catalyst of everything good that Real Madrid do.

He launches a delightful ball over the top to set Vinicius Jr free on the counter-attack.

The Brazilian winger bears down on goal before firing over the bar. A good chance.

Jude Bellingham really has come to life.

The midfielder takes on a number of Barcelona players before giving the ball to Vinicius Jr, but he gives it away.

That dribble deserved something to come from the end of it.

Jude Bellingham must have heard my criticism...

The midfielder does well in the middle of the park before finding some space outside the area and fizzing an effort straight at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

It may have been straight at the keeper, but that effort did have some power behind it. Much better from the Englishman.

he's not happy though, he screams in anger after the save.

Barcelona come out of the traps flying once again.

Lamine Yamal, who has been brilliant today, tests Andriy Lunin from just outside the area, but the keeper holds on.

Barcelona need to win this match, so they are going to go hell for leather for that second goal.

Interesting move from Xavi.

The Barcelona players come out for the second half, but Andres Christen - the goalscorer - isn't one of them.

Fermin Lopez comes on in his place, a big risk.

Anyway, Real Madrid get the ball rolling again, they just need to make sure they don't lose. They will then be all but champions.

Jude Bellingham was the star of the show in his first El Clasico, but that's not the case in this one.

The England international has struggled to make an impact on this match, I've hardly heard his name.

I feel like Carlo Ancelotti may need to switch things up in the midfield to bring him into the match.

We will see...

Guillem Balague, Spanish journalist, speaking on Premier Sports:

Well then, that was a thoroughly enjoyable half of football.

If you haven't seen the goals, now is your chance. Neither are spectacular, but both are very important.

I still can't believe how poorly Real Madrid are defending set pieces.

Just after Pedri comes on, the whistle is blown for half-time.

Barcelona got off to the perfect start when Andres Christensen headed in his first La Liga goal of the season.

However, Vinicius Jr deservedly pulled Real Madrid level from the penalty spot, just about.

It's been a tight match-up, with the game swinging one way and then the other. I'm not sure which manager will be happier.

There is one person who is certainly not happy though - Frenkie de Jong. The Dutchman went off on a stretcher just before the break.

All to play for in the second half!

That is a sad sight.

Frenkie de Jong is being stretchered off to applause from fans around the ground, he looks like he could be out for a while.

The Dutch midfielder was not long back from returning from a previous ankle problem. Simply gutting.

Pedri comes on in his place for the final moments of the first half.

This does not look good for Frenkie de Jong.

The Dutchman is rolling around in agony on the floor after a strong challenge from Federico Valverde.

You can see how his ankle twists as Valverde hits it... not good.

This eventful half is nearly at its end.

Just as they announce the four minutes of stoppage time, Andres Christen produces a brilliant interception to deny Rodrygo.

Vinicius Jr was racing through initially, he should have gone alone!

Wow, that was very nearly a brilliant free-kick from Ilkay Gundogan.

It was in a dangerous area just outside the box, and the former Man City man bends it onto the roof of the net.

It just needed to be a little lower, so close!

Now it's Real Madrid who are causing all the problems.

A lovely move results in Luka Modric firing straight at Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

It was a tame effort, to be honest, he should have done much better.

Of course, after I praise Barcelona, Real Madrid come close.

Vinicius Jr does well on the left-hand side and he fires in a ball across the area, bur a sliding Rodrygo can't get his boot on it.

A strong touch from Rodrygo and it would probably be 2-1. Fine margins.

Real Madrid just aren't learning, are they?

Once again Raphinha's corner causes all sorts of problems in the Madrid penalty area, but no Barcelona players can pounce.

It was so odd, the Madrid players all just stood still and the ball passed all the way through.

Barcelona are looking more threatening now.

Eduardo Camavinga is struggling with the pace and skill of Lamine Yamal.

The 16-year-old drifts past him with ease, so Camavinga - who is playing left-back - trips him up outside the area.

He gets booked for the foul, but he will take that. If he didn't trip Yamal up he was in.

Raphinha's free-kick is a poor one, it goes over the bar.

VAR takes its time, but after a couple of minutes, it decides no goal.

There wasn't conclusive enough evidence to award it, all the angles didn't show if it crossed or not.

Very odd to see a VAR check for something goalline technology should clear up...

Is that over the line?

It's a corner again that causes problems for Real Madrid and Lamine Yamal gets a touch on a low cross.

The ball looks like it may have gone over the line as Andriy Lunin tries to beat it away.

For some reason it's VAR checking, you can't see from the camera angles if it's gone over. So hard to call.

Real Madrid are struggling to deal with Barcelona's set-pieces.

This time it doesn't end up in a goal, but it's a Barcelona head that rises highest once again from a corner.

Ronald Araujo is the man that meets the set-piece, but his header goes narrowly over the bar.

He runs away with his hands holding his head, he knows how big that chance was.

The Bernanbeu is electric right now.

As soon as Vinicius Jr netted the penalty the stadium erupted, and it hasn't got any quieter since.

The way this is going, they'll be cheering again very soon. Real Madrid are all over the visitors.

Vinicius Jr brings Real Madrid level!

Marc-Andre Ter-Stegen guesses the right way, but the Madrid winger puts just enough power on the ball to get it past him.

The Brazilian wheels away in celebration and points to the badge as if to say 'this is my club'.

It's deserved, Madrid have been all over Barcelona since going behind.

Lucas Vasquez goes down and the referee points to the spot.

The right-back dances around Joao Cancelo before being hacked down by Pau Cubarsi. VAR checks, but that was always going to be given.

Vinicius Jr will step up to the spot.

Real Madrid have responded well to going behind.

Vinicius Jr goes close again, this time with his head as he latches on to Toni Kroos' free-kick. His effort goes over the bar.

Toni Rudiger was not happy with Vinicius, he was lurking behind him and was in a better position to attack the ball.

Nearly an instant response from Real Madrid.

Aurelian Tchouameni clips in a lovely ball over the top, and Vinicius Junior stretches for it, but he fires narrowly over the bar.

That was the host's first attack, what a response it would have been.

This time, he scores!

I shouldn't have been so harsh on Andreas Christensen, he has just headed Barcelona in front.

The defensive midfielder rises above Toni Kroos at the back post and the corner sails over Andriy Lunin to him to head into an empty net.

Barca could not have hoped for a better start.

Andreas Christensen seems to have taken confidence from his goal against PSG in the Champions League.

The former Chelsea man tries his luck from outside the area, but it goes miles over the bar.

In my head, as he collected the ball I was thinking 'Don't shoot'. That's why...

Nearly a catastrophic error from Andriy Lunin.

Under pressure from Robert Lewandowski, the Ukranian keeper passes it straight to Raphinha.

However, the Brazilian winger couldn't keep the ball under control and Real Madrid manage to clear.

That would have been a horrific start for the hosts.

A little award ceremony before we get underway, Vinicius Junior receives his Player of the Month award.

Barcelona then get us underway after a minute of silence.

I'm excited for this one!

Wow, just listen to the Bernabeu.

The Real Madrid fans are up for this, they belt out their anthem 'Hala Madrid y nada mas' with all that they can muster.

The atmosphere for these games is always incredible, spine-tingling in fact.

The teams look ready on the pitch, we are nearly there!

Thank you for the kind words, Ryan!

I hope you are all ok with this, you'll be stuck with me for the next two hours and more.

It's set to be an exceptional evening of football, it doesn't get much bigger than El Clasico.

It's a treat to be covering it, we are just moments away now from what could be an epic night.

Yes, just like in football Mail Sport are making a substitution,

It's time for me to head off and I am passing over to my colleague Harry Bamforth for the match coverage and reaction.

You're in safe hands.

We are just 10 minutes away from kick off in Spain and you will be able to follow every key moment from the game with us right here.

We'll also have expert analysis to bring you after the match as well so stick with us through what hopefully promises to be a firestarter of an El Clasico.

Both teams are almost finished with their pre-match warm-ups as we edge closer towards kick off in Spain.

The atmosphere is really building and the Madrid players are soaking in the appreciation of their supporters while going through their drills.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid endured tough midweek matches in the Champions League - but with totally different outcomes that could have an affect on today.

The visitors were eliminated from the competition in brutal fashion by Paris Saint-Germain, while Madrid eliminated holders Man City on penalties in Manchester.

Barcelona's players didn't have to play the extra 30 minutes and then some that Madrid did, but you expet the hosts will still be riding a wave after their quarter-final win.

Real Madrid celebrated a 2-1 away win in the reverse fixture earlier in the season but come up against a Barcelona side that have vastly improved since the turn of the year.

Jude Bellingham scored twice on that day back in October and the Madrid star will be desperate to get on the scoresheet again today in what is going to be a seriously lively Santiago Bernabeu.

Essentially, a win for Real Madrid today will see them move virtually out of the reaches of Barcelona.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are already eight points clear at the top of the table after seeing off Girona's early-season run and will move 11 clear today if they beat Barcelona.

Xavi's travelling Catalans need to win to keep the pressure on Madrid and anything but three points won't do much for their title cause.

The players have arrived in the Spanish capital and while it may be somewhat quiet in the stadium now, things will be the opposite as we get closer to kick off.

This is the biggest game of the LaLiga calendar and while Madrid are favourites coming into the game, past results have shown that this is one fixture that often doesn't go by the pre-match predictions.

Hello and thanks for joining us on this fine Sunday evening for the second LaLiga El Classico of the season as Real Madrid welcome arch rivals Barcelona to the stunning Santiago Bernabeu!

Kick-off is at 8pm and we have plenty to get through before then!