In a stunning turn of events, Kylian Mbappé, the star forward of Real Madrid, set an unwanted personal record during the latest edition of El Clásico against arch-rivals Barcelona. The French international was caught offside a staggering eight times, matching the highest total for any player in a LaLiga game in the last 15 years, as Madrid slumped to a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the Bernabéu.
A Night to Forget for Mbappé and Madrid
Mbappé, who arrived in Madrid this summer amidst great fanfare, endured a frustrating evening as he repeatedly found himself on the wrong side of Barcelona’s well-drilled offside trap. Despite taking three shots on target, the 24-year-old was unable to find the back of the net, with two goals being disallowed for offside.
The Frenchman’s eight offsides equaled the unwanted LaLiga record set by Elche’s Jonathas against Athletic Club back in May 2015, a statistic that will offer little consolation to Mbappé or the Madrid faithful.
Barcelona’s Youngsters Shine as Lewandowski Leads the Way
While Mbappé struggled, Barcelona’s attacking triumvirate of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha ran riot. Lewandowski, the league’s top scorer, netted twice to take his tally to 14 for the season, while teenagers Yamal and Raphinha added gloss to the scoreline with late strikes.
We’ve been doing it all season, the defensive work is spectacular. It’s the work of the whole team. It’s amazing to be that brave, to play a defensive line that high, but at the moment it’s working for us.
– Marc Casadó, Barcelona midfielder
Barcelona’s players were quick to praise the impact of new manager Hansi Flick, whose tactical acumen and trust in youth has transformed the team’s fortunes this season. Midfielder Marc Casadó and winger Lamine Yamal both credited Flick’s coaching for their success, particularly in executing the offside trap that so troubled Mbappé and his teammates.
A Shift in LaLiga’s Balance of Power?
The resounding victory sees Barcelona open up a six-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table, a gap that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. With Lewandowski firing on all cylinders and a crop of talented youngsters emerging, the Catalan giants look well-placed to end Madrid’s recent dominance of the Spanish game.
For Mbappé and Real Madrid, however, the Clásico defeat serves as a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead. The Frenchman’s record-breaking offside tally may have grabbed the headlines, but it is the team’s overall performance that will be of greater concern to coach Carlo Ancelotti.
As the dust settles on a chastening night for Los Blancos, one thing is clear: the balance of power in LaLiga may well be shifting, and Kylian Mbappé’s unwanted offside record could come to symbolize a turning point in the fortunes of Spain’s two footballing giants.
