Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clásico on Sunday night, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to strengthen the visitors’ position in the Spanish La Liga title race.
Mbappé proved decisive at Camp Nou, scoring in the first half before delivering a late winner to hand José Mourinho’s side all three points in a fiercely contested encounter.
Raphinha scored Barcelona’s only goal, but the hosts were unable to find another equaliser as Madrid held on for a significant away victory.
The defeat ended Barcelona’s run of nine consecutive league wins and handed the Catalan side their first loss in the competition this season.
Real Madrid started the encounter with greater attacking intent, putting Barcelona’s defence under pressure with their forward movements.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when an attempted clearance by Barcelona defender Gerard Martín struck Mbappé and deflected into the net.
Madrid carried their 1-0 advantage into the break after threatening to extend their lead before half-time.
Barcelona returned with renewed determination and gradually increased the pressure on their rivals after the restart.
Their efforts paid off in the 61st minute when Pedri delivered a clever pass to Raphinha, who finished confidently to restore parity at 1-1.
The equaliser lifted the home crowd and raised hopes of a Barcelona comeback, with the hosts pushing for a second goal.
Barcelona came close to taking the lead, but goalkeeper Andriy Lunin produced an important save to deny Gerard Martín’s header.
The missed opportunity proved costly as Madrid regained the initiative in the closing stages.
With the contest approaching its conclusion, Mbappé struck again in the 87th minute, finishing off a counterattack after a decisive pass from Eduardo Camavinga to put Madrid ahead 2-1.
The French forward’s late goal silenced the home supporters and placed Madrid on the verge of a memorable victory.
Barcelona pressed for a second equaliser in the closing minutes but could not break through Madrid’s defence.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, giving the visitors a major boost in the battle for the La Liga title.
