Analysis: Four things we learned in Spain's Clasico weekend in La Liga

MADRID, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid won 2-1 away to FC Barcelona on Sunday night to keep the La Liga title race wide open. Here are some things we learned in Spain over the weekend.

FC Barcelona's player Pau Cubarsi (L) vies with Real Madrid CF's player Kylian Mbappe during the La Liga football match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct. 25, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

1. Mbappe vital as Real Madrid snuffs out Barcelona

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as Real Madrid claimed a vital win at Camp Nou to move within three points of FC Barcelona in La Liga. His first goal came with a stroke of fortune, as Gerard Martin's clearance rebounded off Mbappe before going into the net. His second, and his 100th for Real Madrid, was a more typical finish as he arrived in the right place to collect Eduardo Camavinga's pass and seal the victory.

Mbappe's pace was a constant threat on a night when Real Madrid denied Barcelona the space to play its passing game.

Every time Real Madrid won the ball, it seemed capable of launching a threatening counterattack as Jose Mourinho's game plan worked to perfection. Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella, Camavinga and Diomande also played important roles in a memorable victory.

2. Bad week for Barcelona

It has been a difficult week for FC Barcelona, with a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain followed by Sunday's first La Liga loss of the season. While Barca played reasonably well in Paris, it looked flat at times on Sunday night.

That was partly due to Real Madrid's excellent organization, but fatigue could also have been a factor. Injuries to Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Dani Olmo have limited Hansi Flick's options to rotate his starting XI.

Barcelona now has a rare week without a midweek match, which will be important for resting and recovering tired players ahead of the next phase of the season.

3. Signs of redemption for Alvarez

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez not only scored the winning goal in his side's narrow 1-0 home victory over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday night, but also took a significant step toward repairing his relationship with supporters after saying during the 2026 World Cup that he wanted to join Barcelona.

"I want to ask forgiveness to our fans for my words during the World Cup. It was a mistake on my part, both in the way I said it and the timing. Above all, I understand the fans. I would have been angry as well if I were a fan," said Alvarez.

Alvarez also scored Atletico's goal in a 1-1 Champions League draw away to Stuttgart in midweek, and the signs are that the club's star player is gradually winning Atletico supporters back over.

4. Villarreal continues recovery as Aguirre effect still to take hold at Valencia

Georges Mikautadze's late winning goal in Villarreal's 2-1 victory away to Valencia in Saturday's east-coast derby came in stoppage time, ensuring victory for a Villarreal side that had created several chances despite falling behind to Pepelu's first-half penalty.

Inigo Perez's Villarreal has shown itself to be a quick, aggressive side that likes to dominate games. Although poor finishing has let it down at times, the pieces are falling into place as the team climbs the table.

Valencia, meanwhile, remains second from bottom in La Liga after two draws and a defeat since Javier Aguirre became coach and its struggles imply the team needs more than just a change in the dugout.