Mbappe double settles Clasico as Real Madrid close gap on Barcelona

Real Madrid moved to within three points of La Liga leaders Barcelona after Kylian Mbappe scored twice in a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou on 25 October 2026.

The result gave Real Madrid a valuable three points in the 10th round of the season and reduced Barcelona’s advantage at the top of the table to three points, with the Catalan side on 27 points.

The fixture came at a significant moment for both teams. Barcelona were looking to respond after losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, while Real Madrid needed a victory to cut the gap to the leaders. A Barcelona win would have taken them nine points clear of their rivals.

Neither side created a clear breakthrough during a cautious opening, although both teams had opportunities. Arda Guler threatened Barcelona’s goal early on, before Anthony Gordon tested Andriy Lunin with a shot that the Real Madrid goalkeeper saved.

Raphinha also missed more than one chance as Barcelona searched for an early advantage. Their task was made more difficult in the 29th minute when Hansi Flick was forced into a change after Chavi Espart suffered an injury. Alejandro Balde came on in his place.

Real Madrid eventually took the lead four minutes before half-time. A cross from Diomande was not cleared properly by Gerard Martin, and the ball rebounded off Mbappe before ending up in the Barcelona net in the 41st minute.

Barcelona increased the pressure after the interval and drew level in the 61st minute. Raphinha finished from inside the penalty area after receiving a precise pass from Pedri, bringing the hosts back into the contest.

The match remained level until the closing stages, when Real Madrid struck again to regain control. Eduardo Camavinga launched a quick counter-attack and supplied Mbappe, who kept his composure to score his second goal of the game in the 87th minute.

That late finish secured a significant victory for Real Madrid and denied Barcelona the chance to extend their lead to nine points.