Robert Lewandowski scored twice, while Lamine Yamal and Raphinha added a goal each, as Barcelona dismantled Real Madrid 4-0 in Saturday’s Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, ending Madrid’s 42-game unbeaten LaLiga streak.
Kylian Mbappe was offside eight times in Real Madrid's loss to Barcelona, his single-game career high. David Ramos/Getty Images
Veteran forward Lewandowski struck twice within three minutes early in the second half, setting Barcelona on their way to victory. Yamal fired the third goal into the top of the net, and Raphinha chipped the fourth over goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who stood in for the injured Thibaut Courtois. The win comes only three days after Barça's dominant 4-1 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich and extends their lead over Real Madrid by six points atop the LaLiga table after 11 matches.
This loss was Real Madrid's first in LaLiga since an early-season defeat to Atlético Madrid last year. Even a draw would have matched Barça's LaLiga record 43-game unbeaten run, but after a scoreless first half, Madrid was overrun by a clinical Barcelona team under new coach Hansi Flick, continuing their strong start to the season.
Key Moments and Takeaways from El Clásico
Mbappé’s Clásico Debut Disappointment
The match was expected to spotlight Kylian Mbappé, making his Clásico debut since joining Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain. Although he’s had success against Barça in the past, this game was a struggle. Mbappé’s early chance was ruled offside, setting the tone for a frustrating evening filled with missed opportunities and offside calls. One attempt that saw him chip the ball over goalkeeper Iñaki Peña was also ruled offside after a VAR review showed he mistimed his run.
In total, Mbappé was caught offside six times in the first half—his most in a single game—and twice more in the second half, tying the LaLiga record for offsides in a game. His first official shot on goal didn’t come until the 61st minute, with Peña blocking all his attempts. Although Mbappé has scored eight goals this season, Madrid fans are still awaiting his breakthrough in critical matches like these.
Lewandowski Steers Barcelona’s Youthful Revolution
Barcelona fielded one of their youngest Clásico lineups in 80 years, but it was the 36-year-old Lewandowski who led the charge. The Polish striker, set up by Marc Casadó, slotted home a goal in the 54th minute and then connected with Alejandro Balde’s cross three minutes later to head the ball past Lunin. Lewandowski has thrived under Flick, scoring 14 goals in LaLiga and 17 in all competitions by staying more central and allowing younger players to cover more ground around him.
Among those younger players was 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who added the third goal with a powerful right-footed strike, becoming the youngest scorer in a Clásico and leaving the Bernabéu in stunned silence. Raphinha added the fourth goal, capitalizing on Madrid’s defensive disarray and extending Barça’s tally.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice to punish Real Madrid as Barcelona routed their rivals 4-0. Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Barça’s High Line Pays Off
Barcelona's aggressive high defensive line, which has been a signature under Flick, continued to work wonders. With the highest defensive line in LaLiga at 61 yards on average, Barça has drawn over 70 offsides this season, more than double any other team in Europe’s top leagues. Madrid was caught offside 12 times in the match, eight in the first half alone, as defenders Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez held firm near the halfway line.
Relentless pressing from Casadó, Fermín López, and Raphinha kept Madrid's attack at bay, and Barça’s offside trap proved effective against Madrid’s dangerous front line, including Mbappé and Vinícius.
Ancelotti Faces Challenges with His Madrid Stars
Madrid's heavy defeat not only ended their long unbeaten run but exposed underlying issues within the team. They now trail Barcelona by six points in LaLiga and suffered their largest home defeat in the league since 1974. Toni Kroos’ absence was keenly felt; his passing could have been vital for Mbappé and Vinícius in attack, which has looked disjointed despite their quality. Additionally, Jude Bellingham, who scored 23 goals last season, is yet to score in 11 games this term.
With Courtois and David Alaba out, Madrid's defense struggled in the second half, collapsing under Barça's relentless pressure. While the season is still young and Madrid has a history of rising to big moments, Ancelotti has work to do if his team is to bounce back and remain competitive.