Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid ended Barcelona’s perfect start to the LaLiga season with a statement victory, denying Hansi Flick’s side a 10th successive league win.

Barcelona had won six of the previous seven competitive meetings between the clubs and arrived at Camp Nou on a run of 23 consecutive home LaLiga victories. They had also scored at least twice in each of their four home matches in 2026/27.

Real Madrid’s away form was less convincing. They had not kept a clean sheet outside the Santiago Bernabeu and had lost two of their previous three away league games, although they had scored four times in each of their last three competitive fixtures. Across the previous 13 Clasicos, Real held the advantage with eight wins and five defeats.

The visitors struggled to retain possession early on, losing the ball six times in the opening five minutes, including three giveaways by Yan Diomande. Yet Real created the first notable attempt through Arda Guler and gradually grew into the contest.

Kylian Mbappe repeatedly threatened Barcelona’s high defensive line, while Guler and Diomande had each touched the ball twice inside the hosts’ penalty area during the opening 15 minutes.

Mourinho’s back five restricted Barcelona’s fluid attacking players, with Marc Cucurella and Lamine Yamal renewing their rivalry from last season’s Champions League meeting, when Cucurella was at Chelsea. The Real Madrid defender had the better of the early exchanges: Yamal had no shot, only one touch in the visitors’ box and lost two of his first three one-on-ones.

Barcelona had 66.7% possession during the opening 30 minutes and led the passing statistics 88.8% to 87.5%. They also edged ground duels 52.9% to 47.1% and aerial contests 75% to 25%.

Xavi Espat’s early departure forced Barcelona to reorganise, bringing Alejandro Balde into the starting XI for the first time in some time. Real’s disciplined defensive shape continued to deny the hosts space, while the visitors regained possession 16 times before the interval. Diomande, Cucurella, Guler, Bernardo Silva and Aurelien Tchouameni had each contested at least five one-on-ones.

Raphinha produced three powerful efforts before half-time but missed the target each time. Barcelona’s first-half frustration was summed up when Gerard Martin’s poor clearance struck Mbappe and went in just before the break. It was one of only two Real Madrid shots on target, but the visitors deserved their lead after the more positive opening half.

Barcelona improved after the interval, although Yamal remained below his best, completing only 81.3% of his passes in the first hour. Pedri had won just one duel, while Rodri lost possession 10 times.

Raphinha eventually equalised with his first shot on target from six attempts, giving Barcelona renewed momentum. However, their overall superiority in possession, 61.9% to 38.1%, and shots, 17 to eight, did not produce control when it mattered.

Eduardo Camavinga’s superb run and precise pass released Mbappe late on, and the forward delivered a decisive sucker punch.

Mourinho’s changes had proved more effective than Flick’s. Barcelona had no response, and Real Madrid returned to the capital with all three points.