Real Madrid Stuns Barcelona at Camp Nou to Seize Clasico Lead
Kylian Mbappe scored twice to reach a career milestone, helping Jose Mourinho’s side end Barcelona’s nine-game winning streak and take the all-time head-to-head advantage.
By Jessica Abebe ·
Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 on Sunday night at Camp Nou, ending the Catalan club’s nine-game winning streak in La Liga. The victory allowed the visitors to claim a historic 107-106 lead in the all-time El Clasico record.
Kylian Mbappe provided the decisive performance for the visitors. His two goals brought his total for Real Madrid to 100 across all competitions since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024. The French forward also reached 14 goals this season with the brace.
The result was particularly significant for Real Madrid’s standing in the league. Barcelona had been on pace to break Real Madrid’s 1968-69 record for the best start in Spanish top flight history. Had they won, the Catalans would have extended that record, but instead they suffered their second consecutive defeat.
Barcelona’s loss came just days after they fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. This marks the first time a team has beaten Barcelona in league play this season. The defeat interrupts a period of dominance for Hansi Flick’s side, which had remained unbeaten in the domestic competition prior to this match.
Real Madrid’s form has improved recently under manager Jose Mourinho. The team has won five consecutive matches, comprising three La Liga games and two Champions League fixtures. This run of form follows earlier setbacks against Real Betis and Atletico Madrid last month, which had shaken the team’s campaign.
Mourinho, 63, returned to the manager’s seat after a thirteen-year absence from his first spell at the club. He had not won a league title since guiding Chelsea to the Premier League crown in the 2014-15 season. His return has been marked by an attempt to counter Barcelona’s recent domestic success.
The standings reflect a tighter race for the title. With just over a quarter of the season completed, Real Madrid sits in third place with 24 points after ten matches. They are three points behind leaders Barcelona, while Atletico Madrid occupies second place with 25 points.
Mourinho emphasized the importance of the win for his squad’s mentality. He stated that the result proves Madrid is playing to win the championship, not just the match. The manager celebrated the victory with his trademark knee slide, a gesture that resonated with fans looking for a return to past glory days.
