Mourinho's plan comes together as Real Madrid relaunch with clásico statement

Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou in the clásico, with Mbappé scoring twice as Mourinho's side moved within three points in the title race.

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou on Sunday night, with Kylian Mbappé scoring both goals to give José Mourinho a statement win in his early weeks at the club. Thibaut Courtois missed the match with flu, with Andriy Lunin stepping in as goalkeeper and making a crucial save from Gerard Martín. Barcelona dominated possession at 62% and had 18 shots to Madrid's 10, but Madrid's organisation and efficiency proved decisive. Mourinho emphasised the quality of the performance, saying his side won "with calmness and totally deservedly" through being organised and concentrated. The victory cuts Barcelona's lead in the title race to three points, a significant psychological shift with the season still in its early stages. Mourinho, who won six consecutive clásicos without defeat during his previous spell at Madrid, celebrated with a knee slide on the pitch after the final whistle.