Real Madrid Defeats Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico, Breaking Blaugrana’s Unbeaten Run
Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou on Monday (26/10/2026), ending the Catalan side’s unbeaten start to the LaLiga season, detikSport reported. Kylian Mbappé scored both goals for Los Blancos, while Raphinha replied for Barcelona. The win saw Madrid close the gap to two points behind Barcelona at the top of the table, with Atletico Madrid also trailing closely.
The result marked a tactical triumph for Jose Mourinho, who outmaneuvered Barcelona despite the hosts controlling 67% of possession. Real Madrid’s defense and counterattacks proved decisive, with Toni Kroos later praising Mourinho’s bold approach.
Mourinho’s Tactical Mastery
Mourinho’s strategy focused on discipline and exploiting Barcelona’s weaknesses, according to detikSport. Madrid’s 37% possession contrasted sharply with Barcelona’s dominance, but their efficiency in front of goal proved critical. The visitors’ solid defensive structure disrupted Barcelona’s rhythm, forcing the home side into errors.
“Barcelona are the better team in terms of play, but they struggled when their pressing failed,” Kroos told Sport Mole, as cited by detikcom. “Madrid’s courage in Camp Nou was the difference.”
Kroos’s Praise for Mourinho
The former Real Madrid midfielder highlighted Mourinho’s bold decisions, including deploying Dean Huijsen to counter Barcelona’s midfield threats. Kroos noted that the tactic disrupted Pedri and Raphinha, leading to costly mistakes. “Real Madrid won almost every duel because of their intensity,” he said.
“Mourinho prepared the team exceptionally, especially without the ball,” Kroos added. “They pressed high and didn’t just sit back.”
Barcelona’s Vulnerabilities Exposed
Despite their control, Barcelona’s reliance on pressing left them vulnerable when it failed. Inforiau.co reported that the Catalan side’s inability to maintain pressure allowed Madrid to capitalize on long balls and quick transitions. This weakness was evident in their 1-2 defeat, which ended their perfect LaLiga record.
Barcelona’s 27 points now leave them just two points ahead of Madrid, with Atletico Madrid trailing by three. The tight race has intensified, as all three teams vie for the title.
Mbappé Brace Overcomes Barcelona Defense
Mbappé’s brace decided the match, as his pace and finishing overwhelmed Barcelona’s defense. The French striker’s partnership with Arda Güler, who provided key passes, was a standout feature. Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior’s absence due to suspension limited Madrid’s attacking options, though Mbappé’s performance compensated.
Barcelona’s Raphinha scored their only goal, but the team’s inability to convert chances highlighted their struggles.
What Were the Match Results and Stats?
What was the scoreline of the match?
Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in the El Clasico, with Kylian Mbappé scoring both goals for the visitors. Raphinha netted the only response for Barcelona, detikSport reported.
How did the possession stats look?
Barcelona dominated possession with 67%, compared to Real Madrid’s 37%, according to detikSport. However, Madrid’s efficiency in attack proved decisive.
What impact did this result have on the LaLiga table?
The win reduced Barcelona’s lead to two points, with Madrid now trailing by two points and Atletico Madrid by three, as reported by detikcom.
Barcelona Loses First Home Game of Season
This was the first time Barcelona had lost at Camp Nou in LaLiga this season, marking a turning point in their campaign. Mourinho’s tactics have reignited Madrid’s title hopes, with Kroos calling the performance “bold”.
Pro Tips for Fans
Track the form of key players like Mbappé and Raphinha in upcoming matches. Barcelona’s pressing strategy will likely be scrutinized, while Madrid’s defensive resilience could be a key factor in future clashes.
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