Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in El Clásico, strengthening their position in the LaLiga title race and ending a three-year wait for a victory in Barcelona.
Mbappé struck in the 41st minute and again in the 87th to secure the win for Real Madrid after Raphinha had equalised for the hosts in the second half.
Real Madrid took the lead shortly before half-time when a clearance by Barcelona defender Gerard Martín deflected off Mbappé and ended up in the net, capping an attacking move by the visitors.
Barcelona responded after the break and drew level in the 61st minute through Raphinha, whose low effort from inside the penalty area beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
The hosts pushed for a second goal, but Lunin produced an important save to deny Martín before Lamine Yamal narrowly missed the target in the 78th minute.
Real Madrid eventually found the winner three minutes from time. Jude Bellingham produced an impressive individual move before setting up Eduardo Camavinga, whose cutback was converted by Mbappé to spark celebrations among the visiting players and coaching staff.
The result boosted Real Madrid’s title ambitions, moving them within three points of Barcelona in the league standings. Atlético Madrid also remained in contention, sitting two points behind Barcelona, according to the match report.
The defeat represented another setback for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, whose side had also lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League after beginning the season with an 11-match winning streak.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho praised his team’s performance, describing the encounter as a high-level contest between two sides determined to win.
He commended his players for their organisation, concentration and courage in playing out from the back against Barcelona’s pressing game.
However, Mourinho criticised the video assistant referee over an incident in the 57th minute involving Barcelona defender João Cancelo and Real Madrid’s Yan Diomande. He argued that Cancelo should have received a red card after his studs made contact with Diomande’s calf.
Mbappé described the result as a collective achievement, saying the victory sent a positive message about Real Madrid’s ambitions for the season.
He said the win would boost the squad’s confidence but cautioned that the title race remained open and the team needed to maintain its collective effort.
Flick acknowledged Barcelona’s disappointment, saying his players lacked freshness in the first half but improved after Raphinha’s equaliser.
The Barcelona manager said his team controlled parts of the second half but failed to convert its opportunities, adding that the players would analyse the defeat and work to improve ahead of their next matches.
The victory gives Real Madrid renewed momentum in the title race, while Barcelona will seek to recover from consecutive defeats in domestic and European competition.
