El Clásico: Real breaks Barça's streak with late Mbappé goal

In the fourth minute of the El Clásico, Kylian Mbappé produced a fine, late volley that gave Real Madrid the lead and handed Barcelona their first loss of the season in the Liga; it was Mbappé’s tenth goal in the competition.

Madrilenians under pressure, Mourinho surprised

Because of the deficit in the title race, the pressure mainly rested on the shoulders of the Madrilenians, who were helped to victory by Kylian Mbappé. José Mourinho surprised with a starting lineup in which he placed compatriot Bernardo Silva in midfield instead of Federico Valverde or Eduardo Camavinga. Valverde was again deployed as right‑back, leaving no room for Dumfries.

First‑half tactics and Mbappé’s goal

Real focused on quick transitions in the first half; Marc Cucurella faced the man with whom he won both the Euro and the World Cup and made it particularly difficult for his national‑team teammate. Güler shot over on an early chance, but later delivered a perfect cross that Mbappé caught in the air; the French striker completed a volley that ended up in the lion’s den. Yan Diomande’s wayward cross was finished by Gerard Martín, after which Mbappé placed the ball in the net without effort.

De Jong’s return and second half

After the break Barcelona had a chance via Lamine Yamal, but the nineteen‑year‑old shot well wide. Pedri, who showed his quality after an hour, delivered a disguised pass to Raphinha, who struck the ball into the far corner and brought the score to 1‑1. A minute later Dumfries fell for Real due to an injury, and twelve minutes later the other Dutchman, Frenkie de Jong, returned to the pitch. De Jong replaced Fermín López and made a crucial contribution in the final stage.

In the final phase of the match Bellingham launched an attack that opened up Barcelona’s defence; Camavinga supported Mbappé in the sixteen‑meter area, after which the French striker scored again. With that second strike Mbappé put Real Madrid firmly on the map and kept Mourinho’s side’s deficit to Barcelona at three points.