Jude Bellingham scored a late winner as Real Madrid beat arch-rivals Barcelona 3-2 in an epic encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu in a thrilling El Clasico.

Real Madrid twice attacked the Bernabeu from behind, and as stoppage time approached, Bellingham crashed into the net’s ceiling.

Barcelona’s first goal came from Andres Christensen, but a penalty kick from Vinicius Jr. tied the score at the half.

Barca led 2-1 after Fermin Lopez’s goal, but Lucas Vazquez equalised once more.

With six games remaining in the season, Real is well-positioned to recover the crown after this victory.

After just six minutes, it appeared that Barcelona would have a successful evening as Christensen climbed above Toni Kroos to meet Raphinha’s corner.

The celebrations, however, were short-lived as Vinicius scored his 13th La Liga goal of the season after referee Cesar Soto Grado signalled for a penalty after Pau Cubarsi fouled Vazquez in the area.

Lamine Yamal flicked a corner towards goal, thinking he had given Barcelona the lead again, but goalie Andriy Lunin, who was positioned behind the line, swiped it away.

Barcelona insisted that the ball had crossed the line, but the video assistant referee determined that it had not since La Liga lacks goalline technology.

Lopez’s close-range goal in the 69th minute ignited a tight second half after Lunin parried a cross into his path.

However, Vazquez came out unmarked at the far post to meet Vinicius’ cross, and Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid pulled even again just four minutes later.

Real Madrid’s winning streak in all competitions now stands at 28 games, with 22 victories and six draws. Their most recent home defeat was on April 8, 2023, against Villarreal.

Photo by EPA/JUANJO MARTIN