Kylian Mbappé was the hero of El Clásico once again as Real Madrid came from Camp Nou with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona on Sunday, October 25, 2026, ending the Catalans’ perfect start to the La Liga season.
The French forward scored either side of a Raphinha equaliser, grabbing the winner three minutes from time to hand José Mourinho a famous win and blow the title race wide open.
Mbappé strikes first before half-time
Barcelona, under Hansi Flick, dominated the ball for long spells and finished with 63 per cent possession, but it was Madrid who struck first in the 41st minute. Yan Diomande’s cross caused problems in the box, and Gerard Martín’s attempted clearance ricocheted in off Mbappé to give the visitors the lead.
Barça should have levelled before the break, but Lamine Yamal scuffed a good chance wide. The teenager had a frustrating night, firing five shots without hitting the target.
Raphinha brings Barcelona level
The home side finally found a way through just after the hour mark. Pedri picked out Raphinha on the right side of the area and the Brazilian finished in the 61st minute for his 13th league goal of the season, sending Camp Nou into raptures.
Madrid had chances to restore their lead. Mbappé hit the inside of the post only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, and Diomande found the side netting after breaking in behind. At the other end, Andriy Lunin, deputising for the injured Thibaut Courtois, made several important saves, including a superb one-handed stop from a Martín header.
Late winner silences Camp Nou
Just as the game seemed headed for a draw, Madrid struck the decisive blow. Substitute Eduardo Camavinga burst down the right after being released by Jude Bellingham and delivered the ball for Mbappé, who made no mistake in the 87th minute.
The brace gives Mbappé five goals in his two Clásico visits to Barcelona as a Real Madrid player, the most by any Madrid player at Camp Nou since the start of the 2013-14 season.
Match stats
- Possession: Barcelona 63% – Real Madrid 37%
- Shots: Barcelona 16 – Real Madrid 9
- Shots on target: Barcelona 6 – Real Madrid 5
- Corners: 6 – 6
- Yellow cards: 3 – 3
What it means for the La Liga table
Barcelona went into the game six points clear of Madrid and chasing history: a 10th straight win would have made them the first side in Europe’s top five leagues to open a season with ten consecutive victories. Instead, they suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
The top of the table now reads:
- 1. Barcelona – 27 points (W9 L1)
- 2. Atlético Madrid – 25 points
- 3. Real Madrid – 24 points (W8 L2)
The gap between the two great rivals is down to three points, with Atlético Madrid just two behind the leaders. The result also extends Mourinho’s unbeaten run in Clásicos to six matches (four wins, two draws), the third-longest by a Madrid coach after Miguel Muñoz and Vicente del Bosque.
What’s next
Real Madrid travel to Racing Santander on Sunday, November 1, while Barcelona will look to bounce back quickly and protect their place at the summit.
Flashinfong Sports will keep you updated on the La Liga title race.