Mbappe double gives Real Madrid El Clasico victory over Barcelona

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou to claim a valuable victory in the 10th round of La Liga. The result moved Real Madrid to within three points of Barcelona, who have 27 points at the top of the table.

The two sides met in a significant fixture for both teams. Barcelona were attempting to respond after losing 4-2 to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, while Real Madrid were seeking to close the gap on the leaders. A victory for the hosts would have put them nine points clear of their rivals.

The match began cautiously, with both teams creating early opportunities without finding a breakthrough. Arda Guler was among the first to threaten for Real Madrid, before Anthony Gordon tested the visitors’ defence with a shot that was saved by goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Barcelona also came close through Raphinha, who missed more than one opportunity during the opening period. Their afternoon was disrupted in the 29th minute when Xavi Espart was forced off with an injury. Hansi Flick replaced him with Alejandro Balde.

Real Madrid took the lead four minutes before half-time. A cross from Diomande was sent back into danger after an attempted clearance by Gerard Martin, and the ball struck Mbappe before ending up in the Barcelona net.

Barcelona returned from the break with greater attacking intent and were rewarded in the 61st minute. Raphinha levelled the score from inside the penalty area after receiving a precise pass from Pedri.

The hosts’ equaliser did not secure them a share of the points, however. Real Madrid regained the lead in the 87th minute after Eduardo Camavinga launched a rapid counter-attack. He released the ball to Mbappe, who finished the move to complete his second goal of the match.

The victory gives Real Madrid three important points and reduces the distance between the two sides at the summit to three points. Barcelona, who had been aiming to respond to their midweek European defeat, were unable to preserve their advantage despite Raphinha’s second-half equaliser.