Real Madrid managed to become the first team to prevent Barcelona from claiming all three points in La Liga this season, claiming a fine 2-1 win in El Clasico.
The pair of Spanish giants delivered a spectacle at the Spotify Camp Nou, with the champions' elite forward line restricted to just one goal by the diligent defensive work of their visitors.
A lot of plaudits must be given to Los Blancos left-back Marc Cucurella, who managed to keep an in-form Lamine Yamal from finding the net in the encounter.
The Spanish defender enjoyed a fine evening against his international teammate, who had recorded two goals and four assists in his last four appearances for Barcelona.
He improved his personal record against Yamal at club level to two wins in as many meetings.
Los Blancos took the lead in fortuitous circumstances four minutes before the break, with Kylian Mbappe benefitting from an unfortunately-aimed clearance from Gerard Martin, which went in after it ricocheted off him.
They defended resolutely but came undone in the 61st minute, as Raphinha powered home his 13th league goal of the season from inside the box after a short corner-kick routine.
Not to be denied a win, Jose Mourinho's side responded in the 87th minute, with Mbappe firing his 100th goal for Los Blancos into an unguarded net after brilliant approach play from Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga.
Barcelona have now lost back-to-back games and have had their advantage in La Liga cut to just two points, with Atletico Madrid in second place and Real Madrid a point behind their neighbours in third.
Cucurella keeps Lamine Yamal quiet in El Clasico debut
Growing up as a young player, Marc Cucurella would have dreamt of playing in El Clasico, the biggest rivalry in Spanish football, for his boyhood club.
A La Masia graduate, the left-back joined Real Madrid in the summer and has been a key performer for Mourinho's side.
He was Yamal's opponent in the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea last season, and his side won 3-0.
He sought to replicate that quality of performance once more, and he managed to do so against his national teammate.
Cucurella stayed very tight to Yamal, hardly giving him room or time on the ball throughout the encounter.
The left-back played with an edge, like the rest of his teammates, but only picked up a booking for dissent in stoppage time, showing how well he defended against Yamal.
He lasted the entire game, completing 95% of his passes and winning four of nine ground duels.
The left-back stuck to his opponent like glue, making 12 defensive contributions, and was dribbled past only once all game.
| Marc Cucurella vs Barcelona | Statistic |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Passes (completed) | 42 (40) |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Clearances | 5 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Ground duels (won) | 9 (4) |
Cucurella has been rotated with Alvaro Carreras this season, and returned to the XI after he started on the bench in their UEFA Champions League clash against RB Leipzig.
'Has mastered the art of keeping Yamal in his pocket': Fans laud Cucurella after defensive master-class
Cucurella's performance against Yamal warranted praise from Real Madrid fans on social media, and they all agreed on the same thing.
One fan hailed him as a monster for keeping Yamal quiet. “Wow, Marc Cucurella is a monster. He has pocketed Lamine Yamal once again.”
Another fan lauded him for keeping the Barcelona star in his pocket. “Cucurella has mastered the art of keeping Yamal in his pocket”.
A fan praised him for his work in defending Yamal, as well as his contributions to his side's build-up. “Cucurella incredible game at the moment, with the ball and against Yamal”.
Another fan used the analogy of Cucurella serving as a bus-stop for Yamal in the encounter. “Cucurella just build bus stop for Yamal this night. He just can’t get past him”.
A fan attested that on his day, Cucurella is capable of keeping any winger quiet. “When Cucurella is locked in he can stop any winger, see how Lamine Yamal is suffering”.
Real Madrid picked up an admirable win, their fifth in as many matches since returning from the international break. They appear to have hit form, even in the absence of star forward Vinicius Junior, and will hope to sustain their new-found momentum.
