Barcelona, 26 October (H.S.): Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico on Sunday, cutting the gap to the La Liga leaders to three points and handing the Catalan side their first domestic defeat of the season.

Playing at Barcelona’s home ground, Spotify Camp Nou, Mbappe opened the scoring before half-time to put Real Madrid ahead. Raphinha subsequently restored parity for Barcelona, but Mbappe struck again in the closing stages to secure victory for the visitors.

The defeat marked Barcelona’s first loss in domestic competition this season.

Second successive defeat puts Barcelona under pressure

Barcelona had previously lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, making the El Clasico defeat their second consecutive loss across competitions.

Under German coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona had won their first nine league matches before suffering a dip in form over the past week.

The Catalan club had also won six of their previous seven El Clasico encounters since Flick took charge. However, they struggled against Real Madrid, who were guided by Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho.

Real Madrid, who were without winger Vinicius Junior due to suspension, recorded their fifth consecutive victory across all competitions.

Under Mourinho’s leadership, the team has gradually regained its rhythm. The victory at Camp Nou has strengthened Real Madrid’s position in the La Liga title race, leaving them just three points behind Barcelona.

Barcelona, meanwhile, will need to address their recent loss of form after suffering back-to-back defeats.

With the title race intensifying, Mbappe’s decisive performance has given Real Madrid renewed momentum, while Barcelona will be looking to return to winning ways and protect their position at the top of the standings.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar