Mbappe seals El Clasico bragging rights for Real
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffFC Barcelona’s winning streak in LaLiga came to an end after a 2-1 loss to rivals Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the campaign at Camp Nou on Sunday evening.
Teams: FC Barcelona v Real Madrid
Result: 1-2
Scorers: Mbappe (41', 88') / Raphinha (61')
The Blaugrana faced their first big test domestically and were licking their wounds after the 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, as Los Blancos looked to cut their rivals' lead at the top to three points.
Anthony Gordon looked for a dream Clasico debut six minutes in when he brought a long ball under control on the far side and cut inside for a shot, but Andriy Lunin, who came in for Thibaut Courtois, was able to smother the effort..
Barcelona were forced to make a substitute on the half-hour mark and removed youngster Xavi Espart, who was unable to continue due to a knock, with Alejandro Balde brought on as his replacement.
The Los Blancos maintained a fair share of momentum and made the breakthrough five minutes to halftime after Kylian Mbappe deflected a poor clearance from Gerard Martin into the back of the net.
Barcelona were close to levelling matters three minutes later when a through pass from the middle by Fermin Lopez found Lamine Yamal clean through with the goal at his mercy, but the talented winger fired wide.
Second Half:
The league leaders came out firing and drew level in the 60th minute when Raphinha combined with a reverse pass to the area by Pedri and fired into the far post from a tight angle.
Madrid looked to restore the lead two minutes later after a throw-in on the right found Arda Guler who opened up his body, dropped a shoulder and unleashed a left-footed volley, but it was turned away by goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The Blaugrana were close to taking the lead four minutes after finding the equaliser courtesy of a pin-point header at the near post by Gerard Martin following a corner by Joao Cancelo, but a spectacular one-hand stop by Lunin kept the scores level.
Madrid regained the lead with three minutes to go as Eduardo Camavinga raced towards the area and nudged a forward pass around Cubarsi to get goal-side and cutback for Mbappe to complete his brace.
The reigning champions were unable to find a way back and were condemned to their first defeat of the season in LaLiga, as Madrid bagged a fifth successive victory in all competitions.
Upcoming Fixtures:
Barcelona:
1. Alaves (H)
2. Aston Villa (A)
3. Atletico Madrid (A
4. Villarreal (H)
5. Sabah (A)
Real Madrid:
1. Racing Santander (A)
2. AEK (A)
3. Valencia (A)
4. Celta Vigo (H)
5. PSV Eindhoven (H)