Proof: Why Jude Bellingham’s goal vs Barcelona should have been ruled out | OneFootball

Barcelona have endured a rough start to the first El Clasico of the 2025/26 season. 

Hansi Flick’s men have looked far from their best, especially in defence, where both full-backs have struggled to contain the relentless pressure from Real Madrid’s front line.

The Blaugrana found themselves punished early on when Kylian Mbappe finally broke through to open the scoring. 

Although Barcelona managed to find an equaliser soon after, their defensive lapses continued to cost them dearly. 

Jude Bellingham restored Madrid’s lead, exposing once again the fragile nature of Barcelona’s backline.

Referee Cesar Soto Grado has had a busy evening at the Santiago Bernabeu, with VAR already stepping in to review multiple key incidents. In fact, two major actions required video review in the opening stages of the clash. 

A potential penalty was ruled out following a check, and Mbappe’s initial goal was disallowed. 

However, when the Frenchman did eventually find the net again, there was little Barcelona could do to stop him.

Controversy surrounds Bellingham’s goal

Real Madrid’s second goal, scored by Bellingham, came without VAR intervention, something that has left Barcelona players and fans furious. 

The Englishman took advantage of a defensive mistake, but the sequence leading up to the goal was clearly questionable.

In the build-up, Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen appeared to catch Pau Cubarsi with his arm while contesting for the ball. 

The contact caused the young Barça defender to fall, leaving space for Madrid to pounce. 

Despite loud protests from the Barcelona players, Soto Grado allowed play to continue and awarded the goal without reviewing the action on the monitor.

Television replays have since shown that Huijsen’s elbow made clear contact with Cubarsi. Had the foul been recognised, the goal would have been disallowed. 

Instead, Real Madrid regained their advantage while Barcelona were left fuming at yet another controversial refereeing decision in El Clasico.