Real Madrid held their nerve to beat Barcelona 2-1 at the Camp Nou and close the gap at the top of the table.
Kylian Mbappé gave the visitors the lead in the 41st minute after a poor clearance by Gerard Martín deflected in.
Barcelona dominated possession and equalized in the 61st minute when Raphinha finished a clever short-corner routine involving Pedri.
Despite creating more chances, the hosts were wasteful. Late on, Mbappé struck again on a counter-attack in the 86th minute to secure the win.
Madrid’s clinical finishing and solid defensive shape proved decisive against a dominant but inefficient Barcelona side.
Here are the Barcelona player ratings:
Joan García (7/10)
Made a couple of solid saves but was left exposed in goal.
Distribution was mostly clean without any major errors.
Xavi Espart (7.5/10)
Pau Cubarsí (7/10)
Passed the ball well but looked shaky under pressure at times.
Struggled to deal with Madrid’s quick transitions.
Gerard Martín (7.5/10)
Involved in the buildup to Madrid’s goal with a poor clearance.
Otherwise tidy on the ball, but the error proved costly.
João Cancelo (7.5/10)
Attacked well and showed good energy up and down the flank.
Defensively solid and helped create some dangerous moments.
Rodri (8/10)
Kept things simple and recycled possession effectively.
Could have been more progressive in the final third.
Pedri (7.5/10)
Dictated the tempo and produced the key pass for the equalizer.
Always available and controlled the midfield for long spells.
Fermín López (7.5/10)
Worked hard and linked play between the lines.
Didn’t quite find the decisive final ball on enough occasions.
Lamine Yamal (7.5/10)
Created a couple of good moments but wasted a big chance.
Looked a bit frustrated and was well contained at times.
Anthony Gordon (8/10)
Carried the ball well and caused problems on the left.
Showed good intensity and won several important duels.
Raphinha (8.5/10)
Scored the equalizer with a sharp finish and led the line well.
Constant threat and the standout performer in attack.
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