El Clasico: Kylian Mbappe scores to inspire Real Madrid to overcome Barcelona 2-1

Frenchman Kylian Mbappe was on target on Sunday afternoon, leading Real Madrid to a delightful 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the first El Clásico of the 2025/26 La Liga season.

Real Madrid thought they had taken the lead early in the game when Mbappe produced a brilliant finish in the 14th minute, only for the celebrations to be halted as VAR ruled the goal out for offside.

The Frenchman, however, would not be denied for long. In the 22nd minute, he received the ball inside the box and reacted with speed and precision, guiding a low effort inside the left post to give Madrid a deserved lead.

Barcelona responded in the 38th minute. Fermin Lopez latched onto a defence-splitting pass, calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to level the score.

Real Madrid restored their advantage just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, Eder Militao squared a pass across goal to Jude Bellingham, who tapped into an empty net to make it 2-1.

Moments later, Mbappe had another goal ruled out for offside in the 45th minute as Madrid continued their relentless pressure.

The second half provided more drama when Mbappe stepped up to take a penalty in the 52nd minute. His effort, sent low to the left, was comfortably saved by Wojciech Szczesny, denying Madrid the chance to extend their lead.

Barcelona’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a blow late in stoppage time when Pedri received a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the Catalan side with ten men.

In the end, Mbappe’s decisive goal and Real Madrid’s composed performance were enough to secure victory, ending a four-game losing streak to their rivals.