Real Madrid claimed a crucial 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as Kylian Mbappé scored twice to deliver a dramatic win in the first El Clásico of the LaLiga season.
The French forward opened the scoring before half-time and struck again in the 87th minute after Raphinha had equalised for Barcelona. His late winner secured all three points for José Mourinho’s side and ended Barcelona’s run of nine consecutive league victories.
The result also tightened the race at the top of the Spanish league table, reducing the gap between the two rivals to three points after 10 matches.
Mbappé Gives Real Madrid the Lead
Barcelona began the match looking to extend their perfect league record, while Real Madrid sought to close the gap on their rivals.
Both sides created opportunities during an intense opening period, but Madrid gradually found ways to exploit spaces behind Barcelona’s defence.
The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute. Yan Diomande delivered a low cross into the penalty area, and Barcelona defender Gerard Martín attempted to clear the danger. The ball deflected off Mbappé and into the net, giving Madrid a 1-0 lead.
The goal was not the cleanest finish of the French striker’s career, but it gave the visitors a valuable advantage heading into the interval.
Barcelona attempted to respond before half-time, with Lamine Yamal missing a close-range opportunity that could have brought the hosts level.
Madrid also threatened to extend their lead, with Mbappé continuing to trouble the home defence through his pace and movement.
Raphinha Restores Barcelona’s Hope
Barcelona returned for the second half with greater attacking urgency, pushing forward in search of an equaliser.
The home side enjoyed more possession and began to put Madrid under sustained pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute when Raphinha scored to make it 1-1.
The Brazilian winger collected a well-timed pass from Pedri and fired a low shot past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin to bring the home supporters back to life.
The equaliser changed the momentum of the contest, with Barcelona pressing for a second goal and Madrid looking to respond on the counterattack.
Gerard Martín nearly made amends for his involvement in Madrid’s opener when he sent a header towards goal, but Lunin produced an excellent save to preserve the visitors’ position.
Barcelona continued to search for a winner, yet Madrid remained dangerous whenever they found space to attack.
Mbappé Strikes Again in the 87th Minute
With the match approaching its final minutes, Real Madrid delivered the decisive moment through another clinical attack.
Jude Bellingham helped launch the move before substitute Eduardo Camavinga carried the ball forward and created space inside the Barcelona penalty area.
Camavinga then squared the ball across goal, allowing Mbappé to finish into an unguarded net in the 87th minute.
The goal restored Madrid’s lead at 2-1 and left Barcelona with little time to find another equaliser.
Mbappé’s brace underlined his importance to Madrid’s attacking plans. He scored at a crucial stage of the match and ensured that Barcelona’s second-half improvement did not translate into points.
The late strike also took his LaLiga tally to 11 goals in 10 appearances, according to Reuters’ match report.
Real Madrid End Barcelona’s Winning Run
The victory ended Barcelona’s run of nine consecutive league wins at the start of the season.
Hansi Flick’s team had hoped to secure a record-breaking 10th successive victory, but Madrid’s defensive organisation and ability to exploit counterattacking opportunities proved decisive.
Barcelona enjoyed more of the possession, but Madrid made their chances count. Lunin also played an important role, making key saves as the home side pushed for an equaliser.
Madrid achieved the result despite being without goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was unavailable because of illness, while Vinícius Júnior was also absent through suspension.
Lunin stepped into the starting line-up and helped his team protect their advantage during Barcelona’s strongest spell of the match.
For Mourinho, the result marked an important victory in his return to the El Clásico rivalry, more than a decade after his first spell as Real Madrid manager ended.
What the Result Means for the LaLiga Table
Barcelona remain top of LaLiga despite suffering their first league defeat of the campaign.
After 10 matches, Barcelona have 27 points, Atlético Madrid are second with 25, and Real Madrid occupy third place with 24 points.
Madrid’s victory therefore brings them within three points of their rivals and gives the title race renewed significance early in the season.
For Barcelona, the defeat comes after a demanding week that also included a 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. Flick’s side must now recover quickly as they look to maintain their position at the summit.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will take confidence from a result that demonstrates their ability to win under pressure against direct title rivals.
What Happens Next?
Barcelona will look to respond when they host Alavés in their next league fixture, while Real Madrid are scheduled to visit Racing Santander on November 1.
Both teams remain firmly involved in the title race, but the latest El Clásico has changed the immediate picture at the top of the table.
For Madrid, Mbappé’s two goals and Camavinga’s late contribution delivered a valuable away victory. For Barcelona, the result was a painful end to their perfect league start.
With only three points separating the rivals, the 2026-27 LaLiga title contest remains wide open.