Back
According to a report by Flashscore on Sunday October 25, 2026, Real Madrid took a valuable 1-0 lead over Barcelona into half-time in El Clasico, thanks to Kylian Mbappe’s 42nd-minute finish.
The French forward capitalised on a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired past the goalkeeper to give Los Blancos the advantage. Andriy Lunin also delivered an impressive performance between the posts, making several important saves to frustrate Barcelona’s attackers.
1. Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe proved decisive for Real Madrid by scoring the opening goal in the 42nd minute. The forward reacted quickly to a loose ball inside Barcelona’s penalty area before directing his finish inside the left post. His clinical effort rewarded Madrid for their persistence and gave them an important advantage shortly before the interval. Mbappe also attempted to create opportunities for his teammates in the 24th minute, although Barcelona’s defence intercepted his dangerous pass. Despite sending a shot over the crossbar in the 34th minute, he eventually delivered the breakthrough his team needed.
2. Andriy Lunin
Lunin played a crucial role in preserving Real Madrid’s lead with a series of important saves. In the seventh minute, he comfortably stopped Anthony Gordon’s effort from the edge of the penalty area. He produced another good save in the 16th minute when Gordon attempted a powerful shot towards the roof of the net. His finest contribution came in the 35th minute, when he made an excellent stop to deny Gordon from inside the box. Those interventions prevented Barcelona from taking advantage of their promising attacking moves.
3. Arda Guler
Guler showed creativity and attacking ambition throughout the opening half. In the fifth minute, he created space inside the penalty area before sending his shot just over the crossbar. He later tested the goalkeeper with an effort in the 18th minute, although the attempt was comfortably gathered. The Turkish midfielder also delivered a dangerous chipped pass in the 19th minute and produced a threatening corner in the 20th minute. His set-piece delivery and willingness to shoot helped Madrid create opportunities.
4. Yan Diomande
Diomande provided useful attacking support as Real Madrid looked to trouble Barcelona’s defence. In the 13th minute, he accelerated towards goal, forcing a Barcelona defender to recover quickly and make a challenge. He also helped Madrid maintain their attacking momentum by taking a short corner in the 19th minute. Later, in the 41st minute, he delivered a pass into the penalty area, although Barcelona’s defence cleared the danger. His movement and involvement in attacking situations added another dimension to Madrid’s forward play.