Jude Bellingham produced the all-round performance Real Madrid had been missing as they defeated FC Barcelona in El Clasico.

Although Kylian Mbappe scored both goals in the Madrid victory, Bellingham’s influence was felt across the pitch and proved one of the key elements in Real Madrid’s success at Camp Nou.

The England midfielder once again looked like the driving force of the side, bringing the energy, determination and willingness to compete that have defined him. Those qualities were central to his first season at the Bernabeu, but had been notably absent during the 2025/26 campaign.

His contribution was reflected in the ground he covered. A heat map of Real Madrid’s number five showed Bellingham operating at both ends of the pitch, underlining how involved he was in the team’s attacking and defensive work.

The statistics from the match supported that impression. Bellingham recorded 56 touches, including four inside the opposition penalty area, with most of his involvement helping to improve Jose Mourinho’s team’s play.

He completed all three of his attempted dribbles and registered one shot on target, which was saved by Joan Garcia. His passing was also effective, with 20 of his 24 attempts finding a team-mate for a completion rate of 83.33%.

Eight of those passes went forward, while another six reached the final third. The figures illustrated Bellingham’s willingness to move the game towards the FC Barcelona goal rather than simply retain possession.

His most decisive contribution, however, came in the physical contests that shaped the match. Bellingham won 72.22% of the challenges he entered, succeeding in 13 of 18 duels against Barca.

He also recovered six balls, repeatedly helping Real Madrid regain possession and relieve pressure. That work demanded a clear willingness to sacrifice himself for the team and complemented the attacking threat provided by Mbappe.

The performance represented a significant return to form for Bellingham. Real Madrid had badly missed the grit and intensity he brings, particularly during a campaign in which those characteristics had been difficult to find.

His display at Camp Nou therefore offered encouragement beyond the result itself. Mbappe’s goals settled El Clasico, but Bellingham’s contribution across every part of the game showed that the midfielder’s best form is back.