The French star scored twice to lead Real Madrid, who are in their best form in months, to victory, curbing Barcelona's momentum. Bellingham gradually found his rhythm and eventually controlled the game, while Yamal was tightly marked by Cucurella.
According to Spanish media outlet Marca, Real Madrid achieved a resurgence on the toughest stage against LaLiga's dominant force. In the least expected circumstances, the Merengues delivered their best performance in the last two seasons: the team's formation was solid, their execution precise, and their tactics versatile. They could defend diligently and attack decisively, winning El Clásico with Mbappé's brace. Barcelona's nine-game winning streak came to an end, and they failed to control the midfield, where they usually excel. While focus was initially on Rodri, it was Güler, Bernardo Silva, an in-form Bellingham, and Tchouaméni who truly stepped up. Camavinga's introduction was also crucial—a decisive adjustment by Mourinho. Many expected another heavy defeat, but instead he delivered a brilliant demonstration of tactical management and courage.
Real Madrid were still missing two key players: Courtois and Vinícius. From Lunin to Mbappé, the entire team compensated for their absences; Barcelona, on the other hand, struggled to progress the ball. Yamal, approaching Ballon d'Or contention, tried everything, but Cucurella and his teammates' coordinated defense limited the space for Barcelona's key player.
This setup was unexpected. When the starting lineups were announced, the match's trajectory already differed from expectations. Mourinho deployed Bernardo Silva in midfield and started Arda Güler. Many believed these two technically gifted players could not start together because, as Mourinho said at Roma, "they would concede five goals." However, Real Madrid showed great cohesion: compact without the ball, clearly structured with possession, and accurate in space occupation. It was a tactical response that matched the opponent's strength.
Barcelona might not have anticipated this setup, but they had time to adjust and failed to do so. Throughout the first half, Barça struggled to control the midfield, an area where they held an advantage. Fermín López started alongside Pedri and Rodri, with the Andalusian being the most active and best at connecting with forwards. Raphinha was noticeably limited and hampered by recent injuries.
Gordon first sounded the alarm: he shot from his area, but it was blocked; then, after a brilliant run by Yamal, he passed to Raphinha. The Ballon d'Or candidate engaged in a fierce battle with Cucurella, contending for every ball tightly. Real Madrid's full-back largely succeeded in disrupting Yamal's influence. With Barcelona already short of defenders before El Clásico, their defensive situation worsened after Xavi Esparta's injury. Flick brought on Alex Balde despite limited playing time and moved Cancelo to the right.
Real Madrid created the first chance: Arda crossed from the flank, and Mbappé's volley went high. Barcelona then capitalized on a Turkish player's mistake, giving Gordon an opening, but Lunin made a solid save.
The match was evenly contested. After 40 minutes, Barcelona began attacking Real Madrid's potential weaknesses in possession, but the Blancos executed a brilliant move. They advanced from the back in a series of consecutive passes to Lunin, then diagonally to the left wing. Yán Diomande cut into the box and delivered a low cross; Gerard Martín deflected the ball toward Mbappé, and the rebound caught Joan García off guard. The score became 0-1.
Barcelona had chances and should have equalized before halftime. Yamal had an excellent opportunity, but after good team play and a lucky rebound, he faced a golden chance with his left foot from the right side and failed to convert. Mbappé also hit the post, though he was in an offside position when he started his run.
After the second half began, Barcelona took risks while Real Madrid missed opportunities to extend their lead. Bellingham started brightly, creating two threats: first, a clear two-on-one where Gerard Martín defended brilliantly; second, the English star's pass lacked precision, and Alejandro Balde cleared the ball before Mbappé could reach it.
Barcelona created numerical superiority in almost every area and eventually made it count. Yán Diomande was injured after Cancelo stepped on his calf. Real Madrid had to play with one fewer man, doubling their running effort. Valverde requested a substitution, and Barcelona advanced with short passes. Pedri found space and delivered a cutting through ball; Raphinha's low shot to the far corner equalized the match.
Barcelona's momentum surged after the goal. Although Güler's difficult shot was bravely saved by Joan García, Barcelona continued pushing forward, creating chances while leaving themselves vulnerable defensively. Lunin made a one-handed save from Gerard Martín's header reminiscent of Courtois. Then Yamal, after escaping Cucurella in midfield, shot with the ball grazing the near post; De Jong and Raphinha then shot from the edge of the box, with Huijsen making two blocks, one with his face.
When Camavinga came on, he provided crucial midfield support. Bellingham, like Zidane, evaded two defenders in midfield; Arda Güler delivered a precise through ball; Eduardo Camavinga eluded Cubarsí and passed back; and Mbappé calmly finished, making it 1-2.
Thanks to this victory, the LaLiga title race remains competitive. Against their strongest opponent, Real Madrid played with increasing dominance, nearly overwhelming Barcelona. A new chapter in the league season has begun.