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Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to five points after a tense 2-1 win over Barcelona, a result overshadowed by post-match chaos involving Vinícius Júnior and Lamine Yamal.
First-half goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham secured victory for Xabi Alonso’s side, while Fermín López’s equaliser from a Marcus Rashford assist briefly gave Barça hope. But Bellingham’s strike just before half-time proved decisive in a match that ended with scenes of anger and confrontation.
The drama began deep into stoppage time when Pedri was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Aurelien Tchouameni in the 100th minute. Moments later, players and staff from both benches became embroiled in a heated brawl.
According to the referee’s report, Real Madrid substitute goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was sent off for “aggressively leaving the bench” towards Barcelona players and having to be “held back by his teammates.” Five others, Éder Militão, Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, Alejandro Balde, and Ferran Torres, were booked for their roles in the melee.
Fan footage later showed that the confrontation stemmed from an exchange between Dani Carvajal and Barcelona’s 18-year-old winger Lamine Yamal. The Madrid defender appeared to respond to remarks Yamal had made about Los Blancos “complaining” ahead of the fixture. Frenkie de Jong later criticised Carvajal’s behaviour, suggesting it “should have been dealt with privately between two international teammates.”
Tensions escalated after the final whistle. Vinícius, reportedly furious after being substituted in the 72nd minute, clashed verbally with Yamal as both players walked towards the tunnel. The Brazilian gestured angrily before being restrained by security as he attempted to approach the teenager.
Images from the scene also showed Vinícius being held back by Madrid staff, while Yamal was pulled away by Eduardo Camavinga. Other players soon joined the fray as tempers boiled over on both sides.
When asked about the incident after the match, Madrid coach Xabi Alonso downplayed the significance of the scuffle.
He said: “The last minute fight? I think it reflected the intensity and the importance of the game. I think it's healthy competition.”
The victory not only ended Madrid’s run of four consecutive Clásico defeats but also solidified their position at the top of La Liga, though the win was almost an afterthought amid the emotional fallout of another fiery encounter between Spain’s great rivals.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / Geordie, Pexels / Caio Cezar
