Real Madrid became the first side to beat Barcelona in LaLiga this season, winning 2-1 at Camp Nou on a brace from Kylian Mbappe.
The result cut the gap to the league leaders to three points.
Mbappe scored his 11th goal in 10 LaLiga matches to give Jose Mourinho victory in his return to El Clasico 13 years after his first spell at Real Madrid ended.
Both teams created half-chances early on, but Real attacked with more purpose. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick showed his frustration on the touchline as Mourinho’s game plan worked better than his own.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 41st minute. Yan Diomande crossed from the left and Gerard Martin’s soft clearance hit the onrushing Mbappe and bounced into the net. Lamine Yamal had a chance to level before the break after a fortunate ricochet, but he could not convert from close range.
Barcelona equalised in the 61st minute from a set piece. Pedri played a reverse pass to Raphinha in the box, and the Brazilian finished into the corner.
Real kept moving the ball quickly in their own half early in the second half and exposed Barcelona’s backline. After the equaliser, they struggled to escape Barcelona’s pressing. Barcelona attacks kept ending in last-ditch blocks from the Real defence, although Mourinho’s side still carried a threat on the break.
Real’s defending paid off with three minutes left. Barcelona substitute Gabriel Jesus took a loose touch and Real countered. Substitute Eduardo Camavinga had the pace to get behind the defence and squared the ball for Mbappe, who tapped into the empty net.
The defeat ended Barcelona’s nine-match winning start to the league season. It came days after a 4-2 Champions League loss to Paris St Germain.
Barcelona, however, stay at the top of the LaLiga table with 27 points from 10 games, one ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Third-placed Real Madrid have 24 points.
