Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou has been widely praised by the international media, with attention focused on Jose Mourinho’s tactical approach and Kylian Mbappe’s decisive two-goal performance.
The result gave Real Madrid a major boost in the title race and inflicted Barcelona’s second defeat in five days. It also reduced the gap to the leaders to three points and ended Barcelona’s run of victories, which had put them on course for a 10th successive win at the start of the season.
Praise for Mourinho’s approach
Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport said the Clasico had revived the idea that Mourinho had returned to his best. It highlighted the manager’s ability to solve a midfield problem that had troubled previous Real Madrid coaches, including Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
The paper added that the result had brought the title race back into focus after Barcelona had appeared almost unbeatable.
Tuttosport concentrated on Real Madrid’s success at their rivals’ home ground, saying Mbappe’s two goals had brought Barcelona down and reignited the La Liga title contest. It also noted that the France forward had taken his tally against Barcelona to 14 goals, including 11 away from home.
L’Equipe described Mbappe as the player who settled the contest on the eve of the Ballon d’Or ceremony. His goals ended Barcelona’s winning sequence and halted their perfect start to the league campaign.
French broadcaster RMC called the result a demonstration of Real Madrid’s strength under Mourinho. It said Mbappe had scored his 99th and 100th goals for the club, while also praising Eduardo Camavinga for helping the visitors control the match. Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, was unable to make a significant impact.
Mbappe decides the match
German newspaper Bild highlighted Real Madrid’s ability to withstand periods of pressure from Barcelona. It said the visitors wasted several promising counter-attacking opportunities in the second half before regaining control after the hosts had equalised from a short corner.
A pass from Jude Bellingham then created the opening for Mbappe to score the winner, following an intelligent movement from Camavinga. Bild said the sequence demonstrated Real Madrid’s effectiveness when exploiting space.
Kicker also credited Mbappe’s brace for Real Madrid’s victory and described the result as a blow to Barcelona, who suffered their first La Liga defeat of the season.
The BBC noted Mourinho’s celebration after the winning goal, when he slid on his knees in front of the supporters, saying the moment showed the Portuguese manager’s enduring ability to create memorable occasions against his biggest rivals.
The Athletic called Real Madrid’s display unexpected and praised Mourinho’s plan for limiting Barcelona’s attacking threat. It said Yamal, despite being one of Barcelona’s leading hopes, failed to provide the expected influence, while the victory eased concerns over Real Madrid’s position in the title race.
The Times identified Mourinho and Mbappe as the outstanding figures of the game. A Bola praised the manager’s decision to select an attacking line-up featuring Bernardo Silva alongside Arda Guler, arguing that he chose to impose his style rather than simply defend and rely on counter-attacks.
The Portuguese newspaper said the approach unsettled Barcelona and gave Real Madrid the advantage in several areas. Ole also focused on Mbappe’s performance, while describing Yamal as Barcelona’s main disappointment and praising Mourinho’s ability to convince his players they could win at Camp Nou.
