Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou, ending the league leaders’ unbeaten domestic run and reducing the gap between the rivals to three points.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday, handing the La Liga leaders their first domestic defeat of the season and securing a significant victory for Jose Mourinho in his return to El Clasico.
The French forward scored once in each half to settle a closely contested encounter. Raphinha briefly restored parity for Barcelona after the break, but Mbappe’s late winner secured all three points for Madrid and reduced the gap between the two rivals to three points.
The defeat marked Barcelona’s second consecutive loss following their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week. Madrid, meanwhile, extended their winning streak to five matches across all competitions despite the absence of suspended winger Vinicius Junior.
Mbappe Makes the Difference
The opening half was tightly contested, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. Madrid eventually broke the deadlock when Mbappe capitalised on a defensive clearance from Gerard Martin, deflecting the ball into the net to put the visitors ahead.
Barcelona looked for an equaliser before halftime, but teenage winger Lamine Yamal missed a promising opportunity, leaving the hosts trailing at the break.
Raphinha brought Barcelona level shortly after the hour mark, firing the ball through Jude Bellingham’s legs after receiving a pass from Pedri. The Brazilian’s goal revived hopes of preserving Barcelona’s home record and shifted the momentum of the contest.
Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, standing in for the unavailable Thibaut Courtois, made several important saves to prevent Barcelona from taking the lead.
Mourinho Celebrates Statement Victory
With Barcelona pushing forward in search of a winner, Madrid exploited the space on the counterattack. Eduardo Camavinga advanced into the penalty area before cutting the ball back for Mbappe, who finished into an unguarded net to complete his brace.
The goal also took Mbappe’s tally to 100 goals for Real Madrid since joining the Spanish club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024, adding another milestone to his performance in one of football’s most closely watched rivalries.
Mourinho praised his players for their organisation, concentration and courage against Barcelona’s pressing game. The victory provided Madrid with renewed confidence as they continued their campaign under the Portuguese coach.
Mbappe, however, cautioned against complacency, stressing that the team needed to maintain the same intensity in its upcoming fixtures.
For Madrid, the result offered a valuable boost in the La Liga title race and brought them closer to their rivals. Barcelona, meanwhile, must regroup after a difficult week in which consecutive defeats have disrupted their strong start to the campaign.
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