By Sachit Subba • Football • Oct 26, 2026 03:26 AM • 154 views
BARCELONA — Real Madrid have re-ignited the LaLiga title race with their first defeat of the season to Barcelona at Camp Nou, winning 2-1 through two goals from Kylian Mbappe.
The high-stakes encounter marked Mourinho's return to El Clásico 13 years after his time in Madrid ended. His tactics worked from the off. Barca dominated possession for long periods, but Madrid were far more aggressive on the counterattack.
The breakthrough came in the 41st minute after a defensive error. Yan Diomande played a cross from the left, Martin came out to clear and his soft attempt at the clearance hit Mbappe who was charging in and the ball bounced straight off him into the net. Barcelona had a chance to level just before the break when a fortunate bounce set up Lamine Yamal, who missed from close range.
Barcelona pressed after the restart and were forced into Madrid's half. They were rewarded in the 61st minute with a well executed set piece. Pedri found space and played a nice reverse to Raphinha who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner to level.
After the equaliser Madrid held on under immense pressure as Barcelona pressed them relentlessly. Madrid's back four were absolutely superb in the way they stood up and produced the vital blocks to keep Barcelona at bay.
That resilience set the stage for the game's defining moment three minutes from time. A loose ball from Barcelona substitute Gabriel Jesus handed the visitors an opportunity in their own half. Eduardo Camavinga pounced, raced past the Barca high line, and played it back to Mbappe, who tapped it into an empty net.
The win sees third placed Real Madrid to 24 points, three behind Barcelona who are at the top of the table with 27 points from 10 games. Barcelona remain in the lead by a single point over second placed Atletico Madrid. Elsewhere in LaLiga, Athletic Club beat Getafe 4-0, Real Sociedad edged past Levante 2-1 and Real Betis held on to fourth spot with a goalless draw against Celta Vigo.
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