BARCELONA: Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid handed Barcelona their first LaLiga defeat of the season with a 2-1 victory at Camp Nou, cutting the gap to the league leaders to three points on Sunday.
Mbappe’s 11th goal in 10 league matches sealed a memorable victory for Real coach Jose Mourinho, who returned to El Clasico 13 years after his first spell at the club ended.
“It was the most difficult match, against the highest quality opponent, one that had only won in the league,” Mourinho told reporters.
“For us, it’s the victory with the most impressive performance.”
Real looked more dangerous in the opening exchanges and took the lead in the 41st minute when Yan Diomande’s cross was poorly cleared by Gerard Martin, with the ball striking Mbappe and bouncing into the net.
Barcelona nearly equalised before halftime, but Lamine Yamal failed to convert from close range.
The hosts eventually drew level in the 61st minute when Pedri’s clever reverse pass found Raphinha, who finished into the corner.
Barcelona increased the pressure after equalising, forcing Real into several desperate defensive interventions as Mourinho’s side struggled to escape the hosts’ pressing.
However, Real struck decisively three minutes from time.
A loose touch from Barcelona substitute Gabriel Jesus allowed the visitors to launch a counterattack, with Eduardo Camavinga racing behind the defence before setting up Mbappe for a simple finish.
The defeat ended Barcelona’s perfect nine-match start to the league campaign and followed their 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris St Germain.
“It’s two defeats and we’re not happy,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said.
“We’re disappointed. We lacked freshness.”
