By Ghazali Ibrahim
Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in Sunday’s El Clasico at the Spotify Camp Nou, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to hand his side a crucial victory in the La Liga title race.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 41st minute before Barcelona captain Raphinha equalised in the 61st minute. The French forward, however, struck again three minutes before the end of regulation time to secure all three points for Real Madrid.
The decisive goal came in the 87th minute after Jude Bellingham produced an impressive piece of skill to launch a counterattack. Eduardo Camavinga carried the move forward before delivering a cutback that Mbappe converted into the net.
Real Madrid had taken the lead shortly before half-time when a cross from Yan Diomande deflected off Barcelona defender Gerard Martin and struck Mbappe before entering the goal.
Barcelona responded strongly after the break and drew level through Raphinha, who finished a pass from Pedri with a low shot that goalkeeper Andriy Lunin could not keep out.
The hosts pushed for a second goal, but Lunin produced important saves to deny Barcelona opportunities to take the lead before Mbappe delivered the decisive blow late in the game.
The result ended Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the league season after nine consecutive victories and gave Real Madrid a significant boost in the title race.
Real Madrid moved to 24 points from 10 matches, three points behind Barcelona, who remained top of the standings with 27 points. Atletico Madrid occupied second place.
The victory also marked a significant moment for Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, who celebrated a return to El Clasico with a win over Barcelona on their home ground.
Barcelona, meanwhile, suffered their second consecutive defeat across competitions following their Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the week.
Mbappe’s double further strengthened his scoring record this season, taking his tally to 11 goals in 10 La Liga appearances.
