Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1. His late winner settled Sunday’s El Clásico at Camp Nou.
Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in Sunday’s El Clásico, October 25, as Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including an 87th-minute winner, at Spotify Camp Nou. The victory gave Real three important La Liga points and ended Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the league campaign. Mbappe opened the scoring in the 41st minute after a cross from Yan Diomande entered the penalty area and Barcelona defender Gerard Martin’s attempted clearance deflected off the French forward and into the net. Real had created opportunities earlier in the match, while Barcelona also threatened before the interval as both sides looked to establish control of the contest. Barcelona responded in the 61st minute when Raphinha collected a pass from Pedri and finished to bring the home side level. The goal gave the hosts renewed momentum, and Barcelona pushed for a second as the match entered its closing stages. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also produced an important save to deny a header from Martin as the contest remained finely balanced.
The decisive moment arrived three minutes before the end of regulation time. Jude Bellingham helped initiate the attacking move, and substitute Eduardo Camavinga advanced before cutting the ball back for Mbappe, who finished to restore Real Madrid’s lead. The late goal sparked celebrations among the visiting players and coaching staff, with manager Jose Mourinho celebrating on the touchline.
The result was significant for the league standings, with Real Madrid closing the gap on Barcelona at the top of the table. Barcelona had entered the match seeking to continue its strong start, but the defeat halted that run and gave its closest rivals an opportunity to apply further pressure in the title race.
For Mbappe, the double reinforced his importance to Real Madrid’s attack. His goals in the 41st and 87th minutes proved decisive in a fixture that had been level for much of the second half. Real’s victory also marked its first win away to Barcelona in three years, according to Sky Sports’ match report. The teams will continue their domestic campaigns after one of Spanish football’s most closely followed fixtures. For Real Madrid, the win provides a significant boost in the title race, while Barcelona will look to respond in its upcoming league matches after missing the opportunity to extend its winning start.
This report draws on match coverage by Sky Sports, Al Jazeera and BBC Sport, with additional confirmation from Reuters.