Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including an 87th-minute winner, as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico to end the La Liga leaders’ winning start to the season.
The France international struck late to settle a fiercely contested encounter, denying Barcelona the chance to establish a new record for consecutive victories at the start of a Spanish top-flight campaign.
According to the match report, Barcelona had won their opening nine league games, matching the record set by Real Madrid in the 1968-69 season. Hansi Flick’s side could not extend that run against their biggest rivals.
Mbappe opened the scoring four minutes before half-time when Gerard Martin’s attempted clearance of Yan Diomande’s low cross deflected off the Madrid forward and flew past goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
Real threatened to extend their advantage before the break, with Mbappe hitting the post. Barcelona also had opportunities, but teenage forward Lamine Yamal sent a close-range effort wide.
The hosts restored parity 16 minutes into the second half when captain Raphinha collected a pass from Pedri and fired through Jude Bellingham’s legs into the far corner.
Barcelona nearly took the lead shortly afterwards, but Martin’s header was brilliantly saved by Andriy Lunin, who started in place of the ill Thibaut Courtois.
With the contest seemingly heading for a draw, Bellingham produced a moment of individual brilliance to launch Madrid’s decisive attack from halfway.
Substitute Eduardo Camavinga drove forward before squaring the ball for Mbappe, who finished into an unguarded net in the 87th minute to secure the victory.
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho celebrated the late goal with a knee slide near the dugout and a fist pump as his side claimed a crucial win over their rivals.
The result ended Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the league season and prevented them from setting a new record for consecutive opening victories.
Despite the defeat, Barcelona remained top of La Liga after 10 matches, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid moved to within one point of Atletico in third place.
Mbappe’s double further strengthened his record in the rivalry, taking his tally to eight goals in seven appearances in El Clasico.
The result gives Real Madrid an important victory in the early-season title race, while Barcelona must regroup after losing their first league match of the campaign.
