Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou on Sunday to end the hosts’ unbeaten start to LaLiga and cut the gap at the top of the table to three points.

Kylian Mbappe scored twice to secure the victory. Real now have 24 points from 10 matches, while Barcelona remain top with 27 points.

The win also marked Jose Mourinho’s return to El Clasico, 13 years after his first spell at Real Madrid ended.

“It was the most difficult match, against the highest quality opponent, one that had only won in the league,” Mourinho told reporters. “For us, it’s the victory with the most impressive performance.”

Mbappe puts Real Madrid ahead

Both teams created chances early on, but Real looked more dangerous in attack.

The visitors took the lead in the 41st minute. Yan Diomande crossed from the left, and Gerard Martin’s attempted clearance struck Mbappe before bouncing into the net.

Barcelona had a chance to equalise before half-time. However, Lamine Yamal failed to convert from close range after a fortunate ricochet.

Raphinha restores parity

Barcelona drew level in the 61st minute. Pedri’s reverse pass found Raphinha in space inside the box, and the Brazilian finished into the corner.

Real continued to threaten with quick passing movements. However, Barcelona’s pressing made it harder for the visitors to play out from their half.

The hosts pushed for a winner, but Real’s defence held firm. Their resilience paid off three minutes from time.

A loose touch from Barcelona substitute Gabriel Jesus sparked a counter-attack. Eduardo Camavinga raced behind the defence before squaring the ball for Mbappe to tap into an empty net.

Barcelona suffer second straight defeat

The loss ended Barcelona’s nine-match winning start to the league campaign. It also followed their 4-2 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

“We’re disappointed. We lacked freshness,” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick told reporters.

Flick blamed the demands of recent travel for his side’s drop in energy. However, he refused to use it as an excuse.

“I don’t want to talk about this when we lose. It’s better when we win, and I won’t accept excuses.”

Barcelona remain top with 27 points. Atletico Madrid are second with 26, while Real Madrid sit third with 24.

Elsewhere, Athletic Club beat Getafe 4-0, Real Sociedad defeated Levante 2-1, and Real Betis drew 0-0 with Celta Vigo to remain fourth.

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