In brief
Kylian Mbappé’s late double delivered a 2‑1 triumph for Real Madrid over Barcelona, clinching Barça’s first loss in nine La Liga outings. Jose Mourinho celebrated the win with his trademark knee slide, cementing a record‑tying five‑match unbeaten run in the rivalry. The victory nudged Real within three points of their rivals, tightening the title race. Mourinho lauded his squad’s composure, while Barcelona’s Hansi Flick highlighted fatigue as the cause of defeat.
Jose Mourinho celebrated Kylian Mbappé’s late winner by sliding into the turf as 18‑year‑old striker scalped a 2‑1 win for Real Madrid at Camp Nou. Five minutes after the brace, the coach and his front line secured a victory that has now made Mourinho the third Real boss to finish six consecutive El Clasicos undefeated, a feat shared only with Miguel Muñoz and Vicente del Bosque.
The win is the second out of eight for Real against Barcelona in recent matches and snapped Barça’s nine‑game unbeaten domestic run. By ending the run, Real brought the title race closer, placing them just three points behind Barcelona at the summit of La Liga.
By Elizabeth Conway, Spanish football reporter
“Real Madrid do not play to win at Camp Nou; we play to win La Liga,” Mourinho said. “We could win with luck, but we won with calmness and merit.” He praised the squad’s work ethic and reminded everyone that the credit for victory lies with the players, while blame falls on the coach when defeat comes.
The Portuguese manager noted he “has learned that I have an extraordinary group with the quality and mindset to play” and stressed the importance of balance in midfield. He urged the team not to let the win lead to complacency, adding, “We need to continue like this and not go over the moon after this win.”
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick admitted his side lacked freshness after a demanding few weeks, saying, “In big games, small things are important and they decide the game. We were not fresh and that is what we have to change.”
