Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford make El Clasico history for Real Madrid and Barcelona | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham was decisive for Real Madrid as they defeated Barcelona in Sunday’s El Clasico showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu. The 22-year-old was involved in both goals, as he scored one and assisted the other on his way to helping Xabi Alonso’s side go five points clear at the top of La Liga.

Bellingham has not been at his best since returning from shoulder surgery in September, but he was in top form in El Clasico. And at it turned out, he made history in the fixture alongside compatriot Marcus Rashford.

As per MD, Sunday’s match was the first time that two English players have faced each other in El Clasico. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have had players from the country in the past, but they never played on the same pitch at the same time.

Image via David Ramos/Getty Images

Prior to Rashford, who assisted Fermin Lopez’s goal during Sunday’s match, Barcelona have only ever had one other senior players from England: Gary Lineker. He adorned the Blaugrana jersey from 1986 to 1989, at which point he did not have a compatriot playing at Real Madrid – the closest player was Laurie Cunningham, who departed the Bernabeu in 1984.

As well as Bellingham, Real Madrid also had Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench, as he made his return from a hamstring injury that had kept him out for the last six weeks. However, the former Liverpool player did not get on the pitch, as Dani Carvajal was chosen to replace Federico Valverde when he was forced off in the second half.

Historically, El Clasico has been devoid of English players for the most part, but in Bellingham, Trent and Rashford, there could be representation for many years to come – and there could be more, with defender Marc Guehi having attracted interest from both clubs ahead of becoming a free agent next summer.