Mbappe Scores Twice as Real Madrid Beat Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico
Mbappe brace seals Real Madrid's reported 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico on Sunday at Camp Nou, handing the La Liga leaders their first domestic defeat of the campaign and narrowing the gap between the sides to three points.
The French forward opened the scoring before half-time and struck again late in the match after Raphinha had brought Barcelona level. The result strengthened Madrid’s momentum as they seek to challenge Barcelona’s dominance.
Real Madrid, coached by Jose Mourinho in the supplied report, secured their fifth consecutive win across all competitions despite the absence of suspended winger Vinicius Junior. Barcelona, meanwhile, suffered a second straight defeat following their Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Mbappe Makes the Difference
The first half offered few clear chances as both teams adopted a cautious approach. Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi twice intervened to deny Mbappe, while Madrid looked for openings against the hosts’ pressing game.
PSX Falls Over 1,000 Points as Investors Brace for Interest Rate Hike
Barcelona created opportunities through Anthony Gordon and Raphinha, but neither could convert. The hosts also suffered an early setback when young defender Xavi Espart left the pitch with an injury.
Madrid took the lead when Gerard Martin’s attempted clearance sent the ball towards Mbappe, who redirected it into the net. The goal marked the French star’s 10th league strike of the season.
Barcelona nearly equalised before the break, but Lamine Yamal fired wide. Madrid also threatened through Yan Diomande, whose effort struck the side-netting.
Raphinha Restores Parity
Barcelona improved after the interval and increased the pressure on Madrid’s defence. Martin held off Jude Bellingham in one key moment, preventing the midfielder from creating a clear opportunity for Mbappe.
Raphinha then levelled the score shortly after the hour mark. Pedri supplied the pass, and the Brazilian fired through Bellingham’s legs. Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin could not keep the shot out.
Barcelona continued to push forward, forcing Lunin into action and seeing further efforts from Yamal and Frenkie de Jong blocked or miss the target.
Mbappe Seals Madrid’s Victory
Madrid delivered the decisive blow late in the match after Barcelona lost possession. Eduardo Camavinga advanced past Cubarsi and squared the ball for Mbappe, who finished into an unguarded net after goalkeeper Joan Garcia had moved out of position.
The second goal completed Mbappe’s brace and brought his reported total to 100 goals for Real Madrid since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.
Mourinho praised his team’s organisation, concentration and confidence under pressure.
“My team had an extraordinary game,” Mourinho said, highlighting Madrid’s ability to play out from the back against Barcelona’s pressing system and remain composed after conceding.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick acknowledged that his side lacked freshness but stressed the need to respond.
“Defeats are a part of the game. We have to analyse, we have to make things better,” Flick said.
Mbappe also urged Madrid to maintain their intensity, warning that one victory would not decide the season.
The result gives Madrid renewed encouragement in the title race, while Barcelona must regroup after consecutive defeats.
