Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou, ending the hosts’ perfect start to the La Liga season.
Barcelona entered the first El Clásico of the campaign with nine victories from nine league matches and a six-point advantage over their rivals. Madrid needed a win to prevent the leaders from opening a significant early gap.
The visitors faced that task without Vinícius Júnior, who was suspended, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois withdrew after falling ill. Andriy Lunin replaced Courtois, with Yan Diomande joining Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham in Madrid’s attack.
Barcelona sought to control possession and attack through the wings, while Real Madrid remained compact and looked to create opportunities on the counterattack.
Arda Güler produced Madrid’s first threatening effort before testing Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García with another attempt. Barcelona also created openings through Anthony Gordon and Raphinha but could not find an early breakthrough.
Madrid took the lead in the 41st minute when Gerard Martín’s attempted clearance struck Mbappé and carried the ball beyond García.
Mbappé later struck the post from an offside position, while Diomande sent another effort narrowly wide as the visitors finished the first half strongly and went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.
Barcelona returned with greater attacking urgency and equalised in the 61st minute. Pedri created the opening with a well-placed pass before Raphinha finished past Lunin.
The hosts almost completed the turnaround four minutes later when Martín met a corner with a header from close range, but Lunin reacted sharply to keep the ball out.
Lamine Yamal also threatened as Barcelona pushed Madrid deeper into their own half. His effort narrowly missed the target, while Madrid’s defenders blocked several other attempts from the home side.
Real Madrid coach José Mourinho introduced Eduardo Camavinga as his team searched for a way back into the contest. The change proved decisive when Camavinga broke into Barcelona’s penalty area and created the opportunity for Mbappé to score in the 87th minute.
The late goal completed Mbappé’s double and restored Madrid’s lead when Barcelona appeared the more likely side to score. Madrid then resisted the hosts’ final attacks during stoppage time to secure all three points.
Mbappé was named Man of the Match after taking his record to eight goals in seven El Clásico appearances and 14 goals in 11 matches against Barcelona. He has now scored nine league goals this season.
Barcelona remained top of La Liga with 27 points, followed by Atlético Madrid with 25 and Real Madrid with 24. The result reduced the gap between the two rivals to three points after 10 matches.
Elie GATETE
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