Kylian Mbappé netted twice to secure a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid over Barcelona in the latest edition of El Clásico, extending José Mourinho’s unbeaten run against the Catalan side. The match took place at Camp Nou, where tensions flared as Mbappé celebrated his winning goal provocatively in front of the Barcelona ultras, prompting fans to throw plastic cups and other debris toward the forward.

Mbappé’s goals marked his 13th and 14th strikes in just 11 appearances against Barcelona, underlining his reputation for delivering in high-profile fixtures. His performance served as a significant highlight ahead of the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, where he is viewed as a leading contender to challenge Harry Kane.

For Mourinho, who has returned to El Clásico for the first time since 2013, the result maintained an impressive record with four wins and two draws against Barcelona in his managerial career. The 63-year-old coach, known for his intensity and showmanship, was seen celebrating the victory with a knee slide, echoing past moments of defiance from his time at Inter Milan. Mourinho also voiced dissatisfaction during the game, notably protesting a penalty awarded against Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni following a challenge on Barcelona’s young midfielder Xavi Espart.

The match illustrated the evolution of El Clásico into a global sporting spectacle, with ticket prices starting around £300 and an estimated match-day revenue approaching £13.7 million. The ongoing renovations at Camp Nou aim to expand its capacity to 105,000 by 2028, reflecting the match’s growing commercial significance. The two starting lineups had a combined market value exceeding £2.3 billion, emphasizing the high stakes involved.

Barcelona began the game strongly, breaking the deadlock through Raphinha, who capitalized on a precise pass from Pedri to score with a powerful finish past Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, filling in for the ill Thibaut Courtois. Despite Raphinha’s recent limited match fitness, he demonstrated his key attacking threat early on.

Barcelona pressed hard thereafter, with Lunin making a crucial save from Gerard Martín’s header and teenager Lamine Yamal forcing a close attempt that went just wide. The home crowd was urged to increase the intensity, as Barcelona sought to extend their unbeaten league run to ten matches.

However, Real Madrid regained control late in the match. Mbappé sealed the win by slotting into an empty net after a skillful individual effort by Jude Bellingham, who expertly turned past Gabriel Jesus before assisting the goal. The victory left Real’s traveling supporters, positioned behind high fencing in the stands, exultant despite the hostile atmosphere inside the stadium.

The result underscores the competitive edge and rivalry intensity that continue to define El Clásico, with both teams showcasing world-class talent and high tactical engagement.