‘Mbappé’s brace explodes’ Real Madrid halts Barcelona’s ‘10-match unbeaten streak’… Mourinho’s tactical adjustments pay off

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

José Mourinho’s magic worked once again. Real Madrid stopped FC Barcelona’s unbeaten run.

At 5:00 a.m. on the 26th (Korean time), in an away match of the 10th round of the 2026–2027 La Liga held at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1.

With this result, Barcelona suffered its first league defeat but maintained its top position with a record of 9 wins and 1 loss (27 points). Real Madrid, which secured 3 points on the road, sits in third place with 8 wins and 2 losses (24 points).

Home side Barcelona placed Raphinha as the lone striker up front, positioning Anthony Gordon, Fermín López, and Lamine Yamal in the second-line attack. Pedri and Rodri coordinated as midfielders in the third line, while João Cancelo, Gerard Martín, Pau Cubarsí, and Xavi aespaart formed the back four. Joan García donned the goalkeeper gloves.

Away side Real Madrid set up Kylian Mbappé as the lone striker, deploying Yayan Diomande, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Güler in the second-line attack. Bernardo Silva and Aurélien Tchouaméni guarded the midfield, while Marc Cucurella, Dean Huijsen, Ibrahima Konaté, and Federico Valverde composed the back four defensive LINE. Andriy Lunin kept the goal.

In the early stages of the match, Barcelona held high possession and pressed forward, but Real Madrid withstood the pressure with a solid two-line defense. Barcelona urgently substituted Alejandro Balde for defender aespaart, who was injured in the 30th minute of the first half.

The opening goal belonged to Real Madrid. In the 41st minute of the first half, during a counter-attack, Diomande broke down the left flank and delivered a low cross. The ball, which Martín was attempting to clear, deflected off the body of the surging Mbappé and rolled into the net. Thanks to Mbappé’s fortunate goal, Real Madrid ended the first half leading 1-0.

Barcelona, launching a counter-offensive in the second half, equalized in the 16th minute. Immediately after a corner kick, Pedri created space with a skillful feint and threaded a penetrating pass; Raphinha struck it with his left foot from the right side of the box to shake the net.

Following the equalizer, Barcelona’s offensive continued but was blocked by Lunin’s consecutive saves. Manager Mourinho brought on Denzel Dumfries for Valverde in the 17th minute of the second half, and substituted Eduardo Camavinga for Bernardo Silva in the 35th minute.

The tactical adjustment paid off in the 42nd minute of the second half. On a counter-attack opportunity, Camavinga received a pass from Güler, beat Cubarsí to penetrate the right side of the box, and delivered a perfect cutback. Mbappé, surging toward the goal, pushed it in with his right foot to make it 2-1. Immediately after the goal, Manager Mourinho performed a knee-slide celebration.

Barcelona received consecutive yellow cards for rough play late in the second half. Real Madrid moved to secure the lead by bringing on Trent Alexander-Arnold and Carlos Espejo during stoppage time. After 8 minutes of added time had elapsed, the referee’s final whistle blew, ending the match with a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original