Real Madrid became the first side to beat Barcelona in La Liga this season with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice (including a dramatic 87th-minute winner that was also his 100th goal for Real Madrid) to give José Mourinho’s side a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou. The result, which Australian fans could watch live from 7am AEDT on beIN Sports, ended Barcelona’s perfect start to the La Liga season and slashed their advantage at the top of the table from six points to three. Hansi Flick’s side remain leaders on 27 points after 10 matches (9 wins, 1 loss), with Atlético Madrid on 25 and Real Madrid on 24.
Barcelona dominated possession (around 62% to Madrid’s 38%) and created plenty of pressure, but Madrid were far more clinical. Expected goals favoured the visitors roughly 1.95 to 1.19.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 41st minute in fortuitous fashion. A Gerard Martín clearance ricocheted off the Frenchman and into the net. Lamine Yamal missed a big chance to equalise before half-time, and Yan Diomande hit the post as Madrid threatened to extend their lead.
Raphinha levelled in the 61st minute, finishing smartly after a quick corner and a clever pass from Pedri. Andriy Lunin then produced an excellent reflex save to deny Martín as Barcelona pushed for a winner.
Just when a draw looked likely, Madrid struck on the counter. Jude Bellingham and substitute Eduardo Camavinga combined, with Camavinga beating Pau Cubarsí and squaring for Mbappé to tap into an empty net for the 2-1 lead. It was a classic Mourinho away performance: organised, resilient, and ruthless on the break.
Flick had described El Clásico beforehand as “the best game in the world” and “much more than three points.” His side’s first league defeat of the campaign also ended a long home winning run and stops them from becoming the first club in La Liga history to win their opening 10 matches.
For Mourinho, back at the Bernabéu after more than a decade, it was a statement result. Madrid was six points adrift after earlier defeats to Real Betis and Atlético; this win, combined with a strong recent run, has given them genuine momentum and a psychological boost in the title race.
Mbappé, who had already been La Liga’s top scorer in his previous seasons at the club, delivered when it mattered most. Raphinha continued his strong form with the equaliser, while Yamal and Pedri created problems but couldn’t quite unlock Madrid’s defence consistently.
El Clásico remains one of the most-watched club fixtures globally, and the early-morning slot in Australia (7am AEDT / 6:30am AEST) didn’t stop local fans from tuning in. Coverage was available exclusively via beIN Sports (through beIN Sports Connect, Amazon Prime Video channels, or Fetch TV).
With Barcelona still top but now looking over their shoulder at both Atlético and a revitalised Madrid, the 2026-27 title race has been properly ignited after just 10 rounds. The next few weeks will show whether Flick’s side can respond, or whether Mourinho’s second coming at Real Madrid has genuine staying power.
