Mbappe Silences Yamal As Real End Barca’s W…

Real Madrid ended FC Barcelona’s perfect record in LALIGA after securing a 2-1 win in the first El Clasico of the season at the Camp Nou on Sunday night.

LALIGA
Teams: FC Barcelona v Real Madrid
Result: 1-2
Scorers: Mbappe (41′, 88′) / Raphinha (61′)

Los Blancos were dealt a blow on the day of the match as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois had to pull out due to falling ill. Andriy Lunin got the start between the sticks, while Barcelona were without Dani Olmo and Jules Koundé.

All eyes were on Ballon d’Or nominees Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, although even with Barcelona dominating possession, the former was kept quiet by his Spain World Cup-winning teammate Marc Cucurella in the early stages of the first half.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had to reshuffle the pack on 29 minutes when teenage defender Espart was forced off with an injury and was replaced by Alejandro Balde, who was making his second appearance of the campaign.

The Camp Nou was stunned into silence five minutes before the half-time break when Gerard Martin cleared Yan Diomande’s cross straight onto Mbappé, who deflected the ball into the back of the net to give Los Blancos the lead with his 10th league goal.

Scroll through the gallery above to see action from El Clasico.

Barcelona upped the tempo after the break as they went in search of the equaliser and while Yamal was having a quiet evening, Raphinha stepped up to the plate and restored parity on the hour mark after collecting a pass from Pedri before rifling into the far corner.

The momentum was with the reigning Spanish champions, who went agonisingly close to completing the turnaround with 13 minutes left on the clock as Yamal skipped past one challenge before unleashing a powerful strike that sailed inches wide of Lunin’s upright.

However, Madrid went on to get the winning goal in the 87th minute when substitute Eduardo Camavinga showed great desire to get into the box before teeing up Mbappé, who fired home from close range to silence the home crowd and hand Barcelona their first loss in the league.

Next Five Fixtures:

Barcelona: Alaves (H), Aston Villa (A), Atletico Madrid (A), Villarreal (H), Sabah (A)

Real Madrid: Racing Santander (A), AEK (A), Valencia (A), Celta Vigo (H), PSV Eindhoven (H)

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