Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 1:2 at Camp Nou, moving ahead in the all-time El Clásico win count to 107:106. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
Before facing the Madrilenians, Hans-Dieter Flick's side had won nine out of nine league matches. Overall this season, they had lost only once — to PSG in the Champions League last Tuesday.
Real Madrid, by contrast, remain unbeaten in Europe's premier club competition. However, in La Liga, Los Blancos had already suffered two defeats: 0:1 to Betis in matchday 4 and 1:2 to Atlético in matchday 7. A third loss would have left the Royal club nine points behind Barça.
The rivals were unable to field their strongest lineups. Barcelona were without Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé, Eric García, Dani Olmo and Rúben Baró, all injured. For Madrid, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was ill. Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo had not yet recovered. Vinícius was serving a suspension.
⚽ BARCELONA – REAL MADRID 1:2 (0:1). Goals: Mbappé 41 (0:1), Raphinha 61 (1:1), Mbappé 87 (1:2).
Andriy Lunin, who replaced Courtois, produced several brilliant saves to keep his team in the game. But even he was powerless when Raphinha equalized from inside the box on 61 minutes.
The Brazilian's goal came between Mbappé's two strikes, with the Frenchman twice being in the right place at the right time.
On 41 minutes, Gerard Martín, clearing the ball from his own goal, hit the French striker – 1:0. And on 87 minutes, Mbappé only had to find the empty net after Eduardo Camavinga's run down the flank and the Frenchman's pass into the centre – 2:1.
Having moved ahead in El Clásico wins at 107:106, Real Madrid remain third in La Liga. The return match against Barça will not take place soon. Until 9 May, much can certainly change. In any case, the three-point gap to the Catalans no longer looks like an insurmountable chasm.
In matchday 11, Barcelona host Alavés, while Real Madrid travel to Santander to face Racing. In Champions League matchday 4, the Blaugrana will play Europa League holders Aston Villa at Camp Nou on 3 November. Real Madrid will meet local club AEK in Athens on 4 November.