Mbappe scores brace as Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico

Kylian Mbappe netted twice, including an 87th-minute winner, to secure victory for Real Madrid over Barcelona in El Clasico.

Barcelona were looking to claim an outright record for the most consecutive wins at the start of a Spanish top-flight season.

Yet Hansi Flick’s team could not better the mark of nine straight victories set by the Real Madrid side of 1968-69.

Mbappe’s first goal, four minutes before half-time, was a lucky one; home defender Gerard Martin’s attempted clearance of Yan Diomande’s low cross deflected in off the France striker past Joan Garcia.

Both sides had carved out chances earlier, but the game truly came alive between Mbappe’s opener and the break, with Mbappe striking the post and Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal side-footing wide from close range at the other end.

Barcelona drew level 16 minutes into the second half when captain Raphinha took Pedri’s pass and fired through the legs of Jude Bellingham into the far corner.

Martin nearly atoned for his role in Real’s goal soon after, but his header was brilliantly clawed away one-handed by Andriy Lunin, who was starting in place of first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the Belgium international ruled out through illness.

Just when it looked as though the points would be shared, some superb skill from Bellingham launched a move on halfway, substitute Eduardo Camavinga surged forward, and squared the ball for Mbappe to finish into an unguarded net.

Visiting manager Jose Mourinho celebrated with a small knee slide by the dugout and a fist pump.

League leaders Barcelona hold a two-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid after 10 matches, with Real a point further back in third spot.

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