Mbappé’s Brace Seals El Clásico Win as Real Madrid Make a Statement

Thibaut Courtois was ruled out with a fever just before the game. Vinicius Junior is also out due to a card ban. On the one hand, the absence of important players, on the other hand, inconsistent performance on the field – all in all, Real Madrid was on the back foot before the eternal rivals took to the home field. But whether it was Santiago Bernabeu or not, Jose Mourinho’s disciples gave their best at Camp Nou. Los Blancos were jubilant after winning El Clasico in aesthetic football, changing all the calculations.

Real Madrid sent a message to arch-rivals Barcelona on Sunday night, beating them 2-1 at home. French superstar Kylian Mbappe, the hero of the Spanish classic, scored a brace. The Madrid club reduced the gap on top-placed Barcelona to three points with this thrilling victory.

Mbappe scored the winning goal in stoppage time after putting the visitors ahead in the first half at the Camp Nou. However, Barca’s Brazilian star Rafinha equalised in the process. However, the final whistle was blown. It was Hansi Flick’s first defeat in domestic football this season.

Real Madrid are currently third in the points table after nine matches. Atletico Madrid are tied for second place, while Barcelona are still top despite the defeat. Barcelona, ​​who had won all of their first nine matches, had a nightmare last week. After losing to PSG in the Champions League last Tuesday, the Catalans faced a bitter experience in the Clasico.

Barcelona had won six of their previous seven Clasicos since German coach Hansi Flick took over. However, they were defeated by Mourinho’s tactical masterclass this time. Real Madrid proved their strength by winning their fifth consecutive victory without key star Vinicius.

The match started off cautiously. Both teams were creating few chances. Barca’s young central back Pau Koubarsi twice handled Mbappe with great skill. On the other hand, Real left-back Marc Cucurier was sweating profusely while dealing with Barca’s 19-year-old gem Lamin Yamal.

Rafinha had a chance from a nice backheel from new signing Anthony Gordon, but his shot went just wide of the post. The hosts suffered a setback in the 30th minute, with young defender Xavi Esparte forced off with an injury, replaced by Alejandro Balde.

In Courtois’ absence, Andriy Lunin was in charge of the post. The Ukrainian goalkeeper made a brilliant save at the near post from Gordon’s powerful shot. Real broke the deadlock shortly after. A misplaced clearance by Gerard Martin went straight to Mbappe, who slotted the ball into the net. It was Mbappe’s 10th goal in La Liga this season.

It didn’t take long for Barca to equalize after falling behind. However, despite getting one in front of the goalkeeper, wonder boy Yamal missed a golden opportunity with a shot that went wide. Just before the break, Real’s Ian Diomande also wasted a chance to increase the lead by shooting into the side netting.

The pace of play increased manifold after the break. In the 61st minute, the in-form Rafinha finally equalised for Barca. The Brazilian took a pass from Pedri and fired a powerful shot between Bellingham’s legs to score his 13th goal of the season, which beat Lunin and found the back of the net.

Barcelona were desperate to equalise and win. Lunin made a brilliant save to deny Martin, while Yamal’s curling shot narrowly missed the post. Dean Heisen blocked a sure-fire shot from substitute Frenkie de Jong.

Barcelona were chasing a second goal when Real stunned them with a counterattack. When substitute Gabriel Jesus lost the ball, Eduardo Camavinga stormed into the box. He beat Kuberci and passed to Mbappe, who was in the gap. The French forward fooled the Aguan goalkeeper and pushed the ball into the empty post to ensure Real’s victory.