By Amofokhai Williams
A packed Camp Nou watched on Sunday night as Kylian Mbappé struck twice to hand Real Madrid a dramatic 2–1 victory over Barcelona, ending the hosts’ bid for a 10th straight LaLiga win against their greatest rivals.
The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle, with 62,055 fans in attendance, but it was the visitors who left with the spoils.
The first half remained tight until the 41st minute, when Mbappé pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area to beat Barcelona keeper Joan García and give Real Madrid the lead.
Barcelona had enjoyed more possession, controlling 62% of the ball, but struggled to convert their chances-most notably 19-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who missed a golden opportunity from inside the six-yard box just before the break.
Barcelona pressed hard after half-time and drew level on 61 minutes through Raphinha, who exchanged passes with Pedri before firing a crisp finish past Andriy Lunin to make it 1–1.
The momentum seemed to shift, with Flick’s side dominating territory, but Real Madrid stood firm and struck a decisive blow in the 88th minute.
Substitute Eduardo Camavinga slipped a precise pass through to Mbappé, who finished coolly from close range to restore the lead and silence the home crowd.
Barcelona threw everything forward in the closing stages, but Lunin and his defence held firm despite five minutes of added time.
Mbappé was booked late for dissent, a minor blemish on an otherwise man-of-the-match performance-his rating of 8.8 was the highest on the pitch.
The result moves Real Madrid up to third in the table on 24 points, just five behind leaders Barcelona, who slip to 29 points but remain top of the pile.
Jose Mourinho’s side have now won four of their last five league outings, while Barcelona will look to bounce back away to Alavés on October 31.
Pre-match news had confirmed Thibaut Courtois’ absence through illness, leaving Lunin to take charge of the Real Madrid goal, and he delivered a series of crucial saves to secure the three points.
