Kylian Mbappe scored twice to inspire Real Madrid to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the 265th edition of El Clasico. The result prevented Los Blancos’ arch-rivals from becoming the first team in La Liga history to win their opening 10 matches of a season.

Despite Barcelona’s pursuit of history, Real Madrid created the first clear opportunity when Arda Guler intercepted a misplaced pass from Pedri and raced into the penalty area, only to fire his effort over the crossbar.

The chance would have pleased Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, who was taking charge of his first Clasico since March 2013. However, the Portuguese manager was soon reprimanded by referee Juan Martinez Munuera after protesting a foul awarded against Aurelien Tchouameni in the 10th minute.

Barcelona suffered a major setback around the half-hour mark when right-back Xavi Espart went down injured and was replaced by Alejandro Balde.

Looking to take advantage, Mbappe attempted an acrobatic volley that sailed over the bar before Anthony Gordon tested Andriy Lunin with a close-range effort. The Madrid goalkeeper produced an important save to turn the shot behind, making his first appearance of the season after Thibaut Courtois was ruled out through illness.

Madrid eventually broke the deadlock four minutes before half-time, with Mbappe scoring his 10th La Liga goal of the campaign in fortunate circumstances. Gerard Martin attempted to clear the ball, but his clearance struck the French forward from six yards out and rebounded into the net.

The closing stages of the first half brought further opportunities, as Lamine Yamal and Yan Diomande both fired wide from promising positions. With another goal potentially decisive, Barcelona’s supporters raised the atmosphere after the restart.

Their enthusiasm was rewarded in the 61st minute when Raphinha collected the ball inside the penalty area and found the far corner to equalise. It was the Brazilian’s 15th goal in all competitions this season, bringing Barcelona back into the contest.

Real Madrid responded quickly, with Joan Garcia pushing away a snapshot from Guler. Barcelona then threatened again, but Andriy Lunin produced an outstanding reflex save to deny Martin’s header.

As the match entered its closing stages, Yamal curled an effort narrowly wide, while Frenkie de Jong saw his shot blocked. Just when a draw appeared likely, Mbappe struck again three minutes from time to secure all three points for Los Blancos.

Eduardo Camavinga won the race to a through ball ahead of Garcia before squaring it for his France teammate, who calmly tapped home to complete his brace and spark celebrations among the Madrid players.

The victory marked Real Madrid’s first win at the Nou Camp since October 2023 and only their second success in the last eight meetings between the rivals, a run that had included six defeats.

The result also extended Mourinho’s unbeaten record against Barcelona as Madrid manager to six matches, with four wins and two draws.

Los Blancos remain third in the La Liga standings, but they have moved to within three points of their rivals. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s remarkable run of 23 consecutive home league victories came to an end in dramatic fashion.