Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice to hand the La Liga leaders their first domestic defeat of the season.
The French forward opened the scoring before half-time and struck again late in the game to secure the victory for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Barcelona’s Raphinha had restored parity shortly after the hour mark, but Mbappe’s second goal proved decisive as Madrid claimed all three points.
The result cuts Barcelona’s lead over Real Madrid to three points, although Madrid remain third behind Atletico Madrid and the Catalan side.
Barcelona entered the encounter after winning their first nine league matches but have now suffered successive defeats across competitions following Tuesday’s Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Madrid, meanwhile, recorded their fifth consecutive victory in all competitions despite missing suspended Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior.
The opening half was closely contested, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Mbappe eventually broke the deadlock after Barcelona defender Gerard Martin cleared a cross into the path of the forward, who deflected the ball into the net.
Barcelona had an opportunity to respond before the break, but teenage winger Lamine Yamal fired wide when well placed to score.
The hosts improved after the restart and found their equaliser through Raphinha, who collected a pass from Pedri before firing through Jude Bellingham’s legs.
Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was unable to stop the effort, leaving Barcelona back on level terms.
Barcelona pressed for a second goal, with Lunin making important saves as the hosts sought to take control of the contest.
However, Madrid punished a costly loss of possession by substitute Gabriel Jesus late in the match.
Eduardo Camavinga drove forward, beat defender Pau Cubarsi and squared the ball for Mbappe, who finished into an unguarded net to restore Madrid’s lead.
The goal sealed a significant victory for Mourinho’s men and dealt another setback to Barcelona, who had won six of their previous seven Clasicos since Hansi Flick took charge.
Madrid will take confidence from the result as the title race gathers pace, while Barcelona must respond after a difficult week in which they have lost two consecutive matches.
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