Real Madrid Beat Barcelona 2-1 As Mbappe Brace Decides El Clasico

Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in a thrilling El Clasico encounter on Sunday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice, including a late winner, to hand the visitors all three points at the Spotify Camp Nou.

The victory ended Barcelona’s perfect start to the La Liga season after nine consecutive league wins and reduced the gap between both sides to three points, keeping the title race finely poised.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 41st minute through Mbappe, whose effort went into the net after Barcelona defender Gerard Martin’s attempted clearance deflected off the French forward.

Barcelona pushed for an immediate response before half-time, but Lamine Yamal failed to convert a promising opportunity, while Real Madrid threatened to extend their lead at the other end.

The hosts returned for the second half with greater urgency and were rewarded in the 61st minute when Raphinha restored parity. The Brazilian finished off a move following a quickly taken corner to bring Barcelona back into the contest.

Barcelona gained momentum after the equaliser and came close to taking the lead. Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin produced an important save to deny Gerard Martin’s header from a corner as the hosts pressed for a winner.

However, Real Madrid delivered the decisive blow in the 87th minute through Mbappe, who completed his brace after a swift counterattack. Eduardo Camavinga provided the assist, squaring the ball for the French forward to finish.

The late goal silenced the home crowd and secured a significant victory for Madrid, who held on through the closing minutes to claim the first El Clasico of the season.

For Barcelona, the defeat ended their winning run in the league and marked a disappointing result after they had fought back to level the contest.

Despite the loss, Barcelona remained top of the La Liga table, with Real Madrid moving to within three points of their rivals.