Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2–1 at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25, narrowing the gap at the top of La Liga to three points.

The French forward struck four minutes before half-time and returned with an 87th-minute winner after Raphinha had brought Barcelona level. His decisive contribution also took him to 100 goals for Real Madrid.

The result ended Barcelona’s nine-match winning start to their domestic campaign, with José Mourinho’s side overcoming the absence of suspended winger Vinicius Junior to claim an important away victory.

Barcelona controlled much of the ball, but Madrid remained disciplined defensively and threatened with quick attacks into space behind the hosts’ high defensive line.

Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 41st minute when his effort took a deflection off Gerard Martín, giving the visitors a narrow advantage at the interval.

Hansi Flick’s team responded after the restart, with Raphinha equalizing in the 61st minute. The Barcelona captain and Lamine Yamal continued to drive the hosts forward, but Madrid’s defense, anchored by Ibrahima Konaté and supported by stand-in goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, resisted further pressure.

With the contest approaching its conclusion, substitute Eduardo Camavinga supplied Mbappé following a well-worked team move. The striker finished in the 87th minute to secure all three points.

Barcelona finished with 63% possession and attempted 16 shots, six of them on target. Madrid registered nine attempts, including five on target, making greater use of their more limited opportunities.

The hosts also recorded a higher passing accuracy of 90%, compared with Madrid’s 86%. Both teams won six corners, while Barcelona committed 15 fouls to the visitors’ 11.

The victory strengthens Madrid’s pursuit of the league leaders and leaves Barcelona with a three-point cushion after their first domestic defeat of the season.

Source: Omanghana