Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday, handing the La Liga champions their first domestic defeat of the season and reducing their lead at the top of the table to three points.
The French forward opened the scoring in the first half before completing his brace late in the game, after Raphinha had restored parity for Barcelona.
The victory keeps Real Madrid third in the standings, behind Atletico Madrid and league leaders Barcelona, who had won their opening nine matches before suffering back-to-back defeats.
Barcelona’s latest setback followed their Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, extending a difficult week for Hansi Flick’s side.
The Catalans had won six of their previous seven Clasico encounters since Flick took charge but struggled to impose themselves against Jose Mourinho’s Madrid side.
“We wanted to win the Clasico in front of our fans, but the season is very long… a league is not won here,” Barcelona midfielder Pedri told DAZN, admitting that his team failed to perform at their best.
Real Madrid, who were without suspended winger Vinicius Junior, recorded their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions, providing an encouraging sign of progress under Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach returned to the club after two trophyless seasons, with Madrid hoping to end Barcelona’s recent dominance.
The contest began cautiously, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi twice intervened to deny Mbappe, while the hosts looked to threaten through their attacking players.
Anthony Gordon, making his Clasico debut following his move from Newcastle United to Barcelona, set up Raphinha with a backheel, but the Brazilian’s effort drifted narrowly wide.
Barcelona suffered an early setback when young defender Xavi Espart picked up an injury before the half-hour mark and was replaced by Alejandro Balde.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who started after Thibaut Courtois withdrew because of illness, kept out Gordon’s attempt at his near post before the visitors took the lead.
Mbappe found the net after Barcelona defender Gerard Martin inadvertently directed a cross towards the Frenchman, who turned the ball into the goal for his 10th league strike of the season.
Barcelona nearly equalised soon afterwards, but teenage winger Lamine Yamal failed to connect cleanly with a promising opportunity and sent his effort wide.
Madrid threatened to extend their advantage before the interval, with Yan Diomande firing into the side netting.
RAPHINHA RESTORES PARITY
Barcelona responded more positively after the break, with Martin doing well to prevent Jude Bellingham from getting past him or finding Mbappe in space.
The hosts eventually drew level shortly after the hour mark when Pedri released Raphinha, who drove a low shot through Bellingham’s legs. Lunin was unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
The equaliser lifted Barcelona, who pressed forward in search of a winner. Lunin produced an excellent save to deny Martin from a corner, while Yamal curled another attempt wide.
Substitute Frenkie de Jong also saw his effort blocked by Madrid defender Dean Huijsen as the hosts continued to push for a second goal.
However, Barcelona’s attacking momentum was halted late in the encounter when substitute Gabriel Jesus surrendered possession, allowing Madrid to launch a decisive counterattack.
Eduardo Camavinga outmanoeuvred Cubarsi before cutting the ball back to Mbappe, who finished into an unguarded net after Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia had moved out of position.
The goal sealed Madrid’s 2-1 triumph and left Barcelona facing questions following their second consecutive defeat across competitions, while Mourinho’s side gained valuable ground in the race for the La Liga title.
