Kylian Mbappe strikes twice as Real Madrid defeat Barcelona in El Clasico

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 in the 265th El Clasico, ending their rivals’ bid to become the first team in La Liga history to win their opening 10 matches of a season.

Barcelona began the game at the top of the table, but Real Madrid created the first clear chance. Arda Guler capitalised on a misplaced pass from Pedri and drove his effort over the crossbar.

Barcelona were forced into an early change when right-back Xavi Espart went off midway through the first half. Alejandro Balde came on, but Madrid soon made the most of the disruption.

Mbappe opened the scoring four minutes before half-time when Gerard Martin’s attempted clearance struck the French forward and bounced into the net. It was Mbappe’s 10th La Liga goal of the season, further highlighting his importance to Real Madrid’s title challenge.

Barcelona had chances to respond before the interval, but Lamine Yamal and Yan Diomande were unable to convert their opportunities.

The hosts returned from the break with greater purpose and levelled in the 61st minute. Raphinha, Barcelona’s leading scorer, found room inside the penalty area before placing his shot into the far corner.

Real Madrid quickly searched for a second goal. Guler forced a save from Joan Garcia, while Barcelona goalkeeper Andriy Lunin produced an excellent reflex stop to keep out a header from Martin at the other end.

Barcelona continued to threaten and came close to taking the lead. Yamal’s effort went narrowly wide, while a late shot from Frenkie de Jong was blocked.

Real Madrid, however, produced the decisive moment three minutes before the final whistle. Eduardo Camavinga reached a through ball before Garcia and squared it for Mbappe, who finished from close range to secure victory for the visitors.

The result gave Real Madrid their first win at the Nou Camp since October 2023 and ended Barcelona’s run of 23 consecutive home league victories.

Madrid also extended their unbeaten record against Barcelona under Jose Mourinho to six matches.

Real Madrid remain third in the standings, but the victory moved them to within three points of Barcelona and kept the pressure on their rivals in the La Liga title race.