Mbappe Eyes Redemption as Real Madrid Hunt Revenge in Sunday’s El Clasico

Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu will roar to life on Sunday when Kylian Mbappe leads Los Blancos against their greatest rivals, Barcelona, in a fiery La Liga Clasico. After enduring four stinging defeats to Barca last season, Madrid now seek payback – and their French talisman stands at the heart of that mission.

Last season belonged entirely to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. They crushed Madrid twice in the league and swept them aside in both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, completing a domestic treble that spelled the end for Carlo Ancelotti. His successor, Xabi Alonso, has quickly revived Madrid’s spirit. His men currently sit two points ahead of Barcelona at the top, though recent heavy defeats   against PSG in the Club World Cup and a 5-2 thrashing by Atletico Madrid have raised questions about their consistency in big moments.

Still, Sunday’s clash offers Madrid the perfect response. A victory would open a five-point cushion and restore belief. Alonso insists the team isn’t dependent on Mbappe, yet the statistics tell another story. The 26-year-old has been electric, netting 10 of Madrid’s 20 league goals and scoring in 11 consecutive matches before their Champions League win over Juventus. Across all competitions, he has 15 goals; more than half of Madrid’s total output.

Mbappe’s first Clasico was one to forget. A year ago, Barcelona humiliated Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu, and the forward was repeatedly flagged offside, unable to break their high line. Critics described him as “muted and hesitant.” But that bitter memory sparked a transformation. He rediscovered his spark, scoring in the Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals and later hitting a hat-trick in a narrow 4 – 3 loss that sealed Barca’s title.

Now, Mbappe has found perfect rhythm with Arda Guler, Madrid’s creative engine who thrives on threading passes through defences. With Barcelona’s shaky backline, Madrid are confident their star striker will exploit every gap.

Madrid have 10 straight home wins and lead the Clasico tally 105 – 104. This time, they’re not just playing for points,  they’re playing for pride, and Mbappe is ready to deliver.