Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé scored an 87th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory against Barcelona in La Liga, snapping the league leader’s nine-match winning streak on Oct. 25. The result cut Barcelona’s advantage at the top of the standings to three points as manager José Mourinho celebrated his return to the Clásico fixture after a 13-year absence with a knee-slide celebration on the touchline.

Mourinho Closes Gap After Thirteen-Year Clásico Absence

Real Madrid arrived at the match sitting in third place with 21 points from nine matches, trailing a dominant Barcelona side that had swept its opening nine fixtures to amass 27 points. For Mourinho, the fixture marked his first appearance in the historic rivalry since 2013. The Portuguese manager watched his side weather spells of pressure at the opponent’s home stadium before securing a result that narrows the gap at the summit to three points.

The visiting side broke the deadlock in the 41st minute. Forward Yan Diomande delivered a cross from the flank that Barcelona defender Gerard Martín attempted to clear. The clearance struck Mbappé, deflecting past the goalkeeper and into the net to give Real Madrid a 1-0 advantage before halftime.

Barcelona Equalizes Through Raphinha Before Late Winner

Barcelona responded after the interval when midfielder Pedri supplied a pass to forward Raphinha in the 61st minute. Raphinha converted the chance to pull the home side level at 1-1, capping a period of sustained pressure from the league leaders.

The match turned decisively in the 87th minute during a sweeping counter-attack initiated by midfielder Jude Bellingham. Bellingham eluded the defensive line before laying the ball off to Eduardo Camavinga. Camavinga combined with Arda Güler through a quick exchange of passes before driving into the penalty area and delivering a low cross across the face of goal. Mbappé met the cross to bundle it home, restoring Real Madrid’s lead at 2-1.

Touchline Celebration Draws Global Attention

As the ball crossed the line for the late winner, Mourinho sprinted down the technical area and slid on his knees in celebration. Coaching staff members spilled onto the pitch from the bench as the visiting contingent erupted.

Spanish newspaper AS highlighted the reaction, noting that cameras captured the manager immediately after the decisive strike and observing that the Portuguese coach delivered a memorable reaction on the touchline. British broadcaster Sky  Sports reported that the manager could not contain his emotions amid the late drama.

Real Madrid Closes Gap After Barcelona Loss

The 2-1 defeat halts Barcelona’s flawless start to the domestic campaign at nine successive victories, leaving them on 27 points. Real Madrid moves to 24 points, closing within three points of the leaders after 10 rounds of matches.