26 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as Kylian Mbappé scored twice to deliver a memorable El Clásico win. The result ended Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the La Liga season and reduced their advantage over Real Madrid to three points in the title race.
Mbappé opened the scoring shortly before half-time and struck again in the 87th minute after Raphinha had brought Barcelona level. The French forward’s late goal proved decisive, giving Real Madrid three valuable points away from home and strengthening their position in the race for the Spanish league title.
The match also marked José Mourinho’s return to El Clásico as Real Madrid manager, 13 years after his first spell at the club ended. His team showed defensive discipline and threatened Barcelona with quick counterattacks throughout the contest.
Mbappé Opens the Scoring Before Half-Time
Real Madrid started with attacking intent, looking to exploit spaces behind Barcelona’s defence. Arda Güler created early opportunities, while Mbappé remained a constant threat in the final third.
The visitors took the lead in the 41st minute following a move down the flank. Yan Diomande delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area, and Barcelona defender Gerard Martín attempted to clear the ball. The clearance struck Mbappé and deflected into the net, giving Madrid a 1-0 advantage.
Barcelona had an opportunity to respond almost immediately. Lamine Yamal found space inside the penalty area but failed to direct his close-range effort on target. Real Madrid subsequently threatened to extend their lead before the interval, but Diomande’s attempt struck the side netting.
The first half ended with Madrid ahead, despite Barcelona having periods of possession and creating opportunities of their own.
Raphinha Brings Barcelona Back Into the Game
Barcelona returned for the second half determined to find an equaliser. The hosts increased their attacking pressure and began creating more dangerous chances as Real Madrid were pushed deeper into their own half.
Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute. Pedri produced a clever reverse pass that found Raphinha inside the penalty area, allowing the Brazilian forward to shoot low past goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. The goal made it 1-1 and brought Barcelona back into the contest.
The equaliser shifted the momentum towards the home side. Barcelona continued to press for a second goal, while Real Madrid relied on defensive organisation and counterattacking opportunities.
Lunin played an important role in keeping Madrid level, producing a superb save to deny Gerard Martín’s header from a corner. Barcelona also threatened through Yamal and other attacking players, but they could not find the breakthrough they needed.
Mbappé Strikes Late to Seal Madrid’s Victory
With the match approaching its final minutes, Real Madrid delivered the decisive moment. In the 87th minute, Jude Bellingham helped initiate a quick attacking move, which progressed through Arda Güler and Eduardo Camavinga.
Camavinga advanced into the penalty area and cut the ball back for Mbappé, who finished into the unguarded net to restore Madrid’s lead at 2-1.
The late strike silenced the home crowd and sparked celebrations among the visiting players and coaching staff. Barcelona attempted to respond during stoppage time, but Madrid held on to secure the victory.
Mbappé’s brace underlined his importance to the Madrid attack. His first goal involved a fortunate deflection, but his second came at the end of a well-executed counterattack that punished Barcelona for losing possession.
La Liga Title Race Tightens
The result had an immediate impact on the La Liga standings. Barcelona remained at the top with 27 points from 10 matches, while Atlético Madrid occupied second place with 26 points. Real Madrid moved to 24 points, cutting the gap to their rivals to three points.
For Barcelona, the defeat was their first domestic loss of the campaign after winning their opening nine league matches. It also followed their Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, making the result another setback for Hansi Flick’s side.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, secured their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions, providing a significant boost to Mourinho’s team. The win also demonstrated Madrid’s ability to remain competitive under pressure and take advantage of decisive moments in major matches.
What Comes Next?
Barcelona will look to respond in their next league fixture as they attempt to maintain their position at the top of the table. Real Madrid will aim to build on the Clásico victory and continue closing the gap on their rivals.
With the season still in its early stages, the result does not settle the title race. However, Madrid’s victory has brought the leading teams closer together and increased the significance of upcoming fixtures.
Mbappé’s late winner ensured that the latest El Clásico ended in Madrid’s favour, turning a tightly contested match into a major result in the La Liga title race.