Four things we learnt as Real Madrid beat Barcelona after VAR controversy

After he had a goal ruled out for offside, Kylian Mbappe netted his 16th of the campaign, latching onto a beautiful pass from Jude Bellingham before slamming the ball into the far corner.

The visitors equalised through Fermin Lopez but were only on level terms for a matter of moments as Bellingham grabbed his first goal of the La Liga season to put Los Blancos back ahead before half-time.

After the break, Madrid were given a controversial penalty, again after the intervention of VAR, when Eric Garcia was harshly judged to have handled the ball in the area.

Astonishingly, Mbappe missed the penalty - the first miss from the spot in this fixture since Samuel Eto'o in 2008 - after a wonderful Wojciech Szczesny save, keeping his side in the game.

But while neither side was able to find the back of the net from there, the action didn't slow. Midfielder Pedri was sent off just moments from time for a second yellow card, sparking a furious reaction from both benches in unsavoury scenes after the full-time whistle.

It was a game that promised fireworks and duly delivered. Madrid finally ended their four-game streak of defeats against the Blaugrana, while Hansi Flick's side suffered their second defeat of the league season.

With that being said, here are four things we learnt from the match.

Real Madrid’s stars turn up for the big occasion

It was goals from Mbappe and Bellingham, while Vinicius Jr played a starring role - Madrid’s stars were absolutely up for the big occasion today.

It’s often been the case for Los Blancos - particularly in the Champions League - that their superstars rise up when the stakes are higher, but last season that was not the case.

While Mbappe scored an astonishing 44 goals in his debut campaign, under Carlo Ancelotti’s stewardship, they struggled against Barcelona - losing on all four meetings - while they failed to win a single piece of silverware and were knocked out early in the Champions League.

Under Xabi Alonso, however, that all seems to be out of the window - their big names are winning them games again.

Madrid were the better side throughout the match, but still required individual pieces of brilliance to beat a stern Barcelona side, and Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius Jr certainly delivered that.

Bellingham’s stunning assist for the opening goal, Mbappe’s clinical finish and Vinicius Jr’s threat all afternoon - they are certain to be dangerous yet again in the Champions League with their stars firing once more.

Barcelona’s missing men

Everyone saw Barcelona at their scintillating best last season, but today they weren’t quite at the races - it could be down to their injury list.

Raphinha, who finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings this year, and Robert Lewandowski, who scored 42 goals last term, were both missing from Flick’s forward line, and it certainly told.

While Lopez looked strong at points, the offence in general for Barcelona lacked a clinical or ruthless edge - a threat that the injured pair would certainly provide.

Ferran Torres and Rashford endured quiet spells throughout the game, and left Barcelona scrambling for an equaliser that never came late on.

​VAR at centre stage

VAR was once again at the centre of all the action at the Bernabeu.

It took just two minutes for it to intervene after referee Cesar Soto Grado pointed to the spot, believing that Yamal had tripped Vinicius. VAR thought otherwise, sending Grado to the monitor. The decision was overturned.

Madrid fans and players were left bewildered at the decision, although on replays it shows the Brazilian kicking Yamal’s foot as opposed to the other way round.

Later in the game came a much more controversial call. Eric Garcia was penalised for handball after the ball ricocheted between him and Bellingham onto his arm.

The former Manchester City defender protested with the referee, who once again was sent to the monitor to make the decision, to no avail. Steve McManaman, on commentary duties for ESPN, fumed that “it should never be a penalty”, much to the agreement of fans on social media.

It was a totally bizarre decision that simply leaves the question: what is Garcia supposed to do? Unfortunately, it seems like nothing.

However, in a case of “poetic justice”, Mbappe shockingly squandered the opportunity to double the host’s lead by missing his first penalty of the season - he has already bagged five.

It just marks another frustrating afternoon that was marred by the unnecessary intervention of VAR. Fans have seen much of that in the Premier League, but La Liga are experiencing problems of its own, too.

Poor Vinicius Jr attitude

It was a tremendous display from Vinicius, winning a penalty, although it was ultimately overturned, and adding his trademark directness down his left-hand side - he was a threat all afternoon.

After a difficult season last year, the 25-year-old looked back to his scintillating best, so his second-half substitution with 15 minutes still on the clock would have sparked understandable frustration.

But the Brazilian threw his toys out of the pram when his number was shown, refusing to acknowledge his manager and deciding to head straight down the tunnel instead.

It isn’t the first time Vinicius’ temperament has been questioned, and there may well be repercussions from Alonso after his conduct this afternoon.

Unfortunately, it tarnishes what was a brilliant display from the winger; his tantrum will not be the attitude that Alonso will be expecting from his players.

Having said that, if Vinicius can continue his form at the beginning of this season, incidents like these should become fewer.