Mbappé double beats Barcelona as Real Madrid cut La Liga gap to three points

Kylian Mbappé scored both goals as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2–1 at the Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday, handing the La Liga leaders their first league defeat of the season. The victory in the tenth round of fixtures brought José Mourinho’s side within three points of Barcelona, according to Europa Press and EFE’s report published by Cooperativa.

Watch the highlights:

Barcelona remain top with 27 points, followed by Atlético Madrid on 25 and Real Madrid on 24. EFE reported that Hansi Flick’s team controlled possession for much of the match, while Madrid relied on defensive organisation and counterattacks. The visitors ultimately secured all three points despite conceding an equaliser and facing further pressure from the hosts.

Madrid took the lead before half-time through an unusual finish. Yan Diomande sent the ball into the area, where Gerard Martín attempted to clear it. Instead, the ball struck Mbappé and went into the net. Europa Press reported that Lamine Yamal then missed an opportunity to equalise before the interval, leaving Barcelona a goal behind at the break.

Raphinha restored parity after the restart, converting from Pedri’s pass as Barcelona increased their pressure. Europa Press described the equaliser as coming from a quickly taken corner. The hosts continued to create chances: Andriy Lunin saved a Gerard Martín header, while Yamal later sent a shot narrowly wide as Barcelona sought to complete the turnaround.

The decisive move instead came at the other end late in the match. Eduardo Camavinga broke into the penalty area and supplied Mbappé, who finished into an unguarded goal to complete his double. Madrid then protected their advantage until the final whistle. EFE reported that they had played without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was absent with flu.

For Barcelona, the defeat also ended a sequence of 23 consecutive home victories, according to Europa Press. Their attempt to make it ten wins from ten at the start of the league campaign therefore fell short. They retain the lead in the standings, but Madrid’s away victory leaves the three leading clubs separated by just three points.