Real Madrid defeats Barcelona 2:1 as Mourinho deploys 4-2-3-1

Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2:1 at the Spotify Camp Nou on October 25, 2026.

Mourinho Uses Man-Marking to Break Barcelona Streak

Heading into the tenth round of the La Liga season, Barcelona was chasing a record-breaking streak of ten consecutive league wins. Aawsat.com reported that Real Madrid manager José Mourinho broke Barcelona’s tactical code by abandoning the customary 4-4-2 defensive block used since Mbappé’s arrival. Instead, Mourinho deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, utilizing strict man-marking assignments across the midfield. Jude Bellingham, Bernardo Silva, and Aurélien Tchouaméni shadowed Rodri, Pedri, and Fermín López respectively, while central defenders Dean Huijsen and Ibrahima Konaté pressed high up the pitch.

Kooora.com noted that Barcelona’s coaching staff and several key players faced fierce criticism in the Catalan press following the defeat. João Cancelo received harsh ratings for struggling on both flanks, while young defender Pau Cubársi was exposed for pace on the decisive second-goal sequence.

The tactical disruption directly yielded the opening goal in the 41st minute. Bernardo Silva launched a long pass to Cucurella, whose layoff found Yllan Diomandé. Gerard Martín attempted to clear the resulting low cross, but the ball deflected off Mbappé and past the goalkeeper. Although Raphinha equalized for Barcelona from a Pedri assist, Real Madrid’s defensive structure held firm. In the second goal sequence, Eduardo Camavinga surged past Cubársi and set up Mbappé for the winning strike.

Lunin’s Historic Milestone in Goal

Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin made his first appearance of the season for Real Madrid following a late illness scratch to Thibaut Courtois, who missed the fixture due to the flu, according to a report by yallakora.com. Lunin’s performance secured a historical milestone. According to statistics from Mister Chip cited by yallakora.com, Lunin became the first goalkeeper in the 124-year history of El Clásico fixtures to win at least four of his first five appearances against Barcelona.

CNN Arabic reported that Mourinho praised the Ukrainian goalkeeper after the final whistle, stating that Lunin was incredible and that he trains to play rather than sit on the bench. Lunin made five saves during the match.

Real Madrid Closes Gap in La Liga Table

The result reshaped the upper tier of the Spanish league table. Real Madrid returned to the heart of the title race, avoiding a situation where they would have been nine points behind the leaders. The defeat marked Barcelona’s second competitive setback following a 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, ending their domestic momentum just as fixtures intensify.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.

More on this story: Real Madrid defeats FC Barcelona 2-1 in El Clásico

More on Barcelona: FC Barcelona Faces Real Betis in Seville La Liga Clash · PSG Beat Barcelona 4-2 With Late Goals to Top League Phase · PSG and Barcelona Rank High in European Attacking Statistics