Mbappé double ends Barcelona's perfect league start in Clásico defeat

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, ending the hosts' run of nine victories from their first nine La Liga games. Barcelona's official match report confirmed that the defeat cut their advantage over Madrid to three points.

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Madrid went ahead before the interval when Gerard Martín's attempt to clear a ball delivered by Yan Diomandé struck Mbappé and went in. Barcelona had already been forced into a defensive change, with Alejandro Balde replacing Xavi Espart and João Cancelo moving across to the opposite flank.

Raphinha brought Barcelona level after the break, finishing low after Pedri supplied him following a short corner. The home side then threatened to take the lead: Andriy Lunin saved a Martín header, while Dean Huijsen blocked an effort from Lamine Yamal as Barcelona sought a second goal.

Instead, Madrid found the decisive finish late on. According to Barcelona's account, Jude Bellingham started the counterattack, Arda Güler moved the ball to Eduardo Camavinga, and Camavinga beat Pau Cubarsí before setting up Mbappé. The forward finished into an open net to complete his double and settle the match.

The statistics published by Europa Press show how much of the ball Barcelona had without converting that advantage into a result. They recorded 62 percent possession and 17 shots to Madrid's nine, along with 644 passes compared with 385. Both teams won six corners. Madrid's goalkeeper made five saves, while Barcelona's made three; neither side received a red card, and each collected three yellow cards. The listed attendance was 62,055.

Barcelona remain first in the standings, with 27 points from 10 matches, ahead of Atlético Madrid on 25 and Real Madrid on 24, according to the table accompanying the Europa Press report. That leaves the three leading clubs separated by three points after the Clásico. Barcelona's next league fixture is at home to Alavés on October 31, while Madrid are scheduled to visit Racing on November 1. Both clubs therefore return to league action the following weekend after Sunday's meeting.