Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona: Mbappe’s centurion strike for Madrid ends Barca’s perfect league start

Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona: Mbappe’s centurion strike for Madrid ends Barca’s perfect league start Real Madrid claimed a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in La Liga at Camp Nou on Sunday evening, ending the defending champions’ perfect start to the league season. The victory leaves Madrid three points behind Barcelona at the top of the table. Anthony Gordon produced the game’s first shot on target in the seventh minute, unleashing a low drive that was saved by Andriy Lunin. Gordon called Lunin into action again in the 14th minute, cutting inside before firing straight at the Ukrainian goalkeeper. Joan Garcia was tested for the first time when Arder Guler whipped a powerful low effort towards the bottom corner, and the Spaniard parried it away. Raphinha came close to putting Barcelona ahead, combining with Gordon before smashing the ball just narrowly wide. The hosts were forced to make a save on the half-hour mark, with Alejandro Balde replacing Xavi Espart. Mbappe broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a stroke of luck. Yan Diomande put a low cross into the area, and Gerard Martin’s clearance ricocheted off the Frenchman and into the net. Lamine Yamal missed a big chance to restore parity, scuffing his effort wide of the post. Yan Diomande hit the side netting from a promising position just before half time. Minutes into the second half, Madrid carved Barcelona open again. Jude Bellingham broke through from a counter-attack, but failed to pick out Mbappe. Raphinha drew Barcelona level, finding the far corner after receiving a brilliant pass from Pedri. Lunin then produced a brilliant save to keep out Martin’s header from six yards out. Two minutes from time, Mbappe netted the winner with his 100th goal for Real Madrid following brilliant work from Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. Bellingham showed superb footwork and elegance to combine with Camavinga, who beat Martin before putting the ball on a plate for Mbappe to find the net and secure all three points for Madrid.