Barcelona ended Madrid’s unbeaten run in La Liga at 42 games, one shy of Barcelona’s record streak in 2017-18. Carlo Ancelotti’s side suffered its first loss since Sept. 23 last year.
Lewandowski scored from a superb pass by Barcelona’s latest youth talent Marc Casadó in the 54th minute and headed in a second goal three minutes later to silence Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Those were goals 16th and 17th overall for the Poland striker this season, taking his league-best tally to 14. He also hit the post.
Yamal made it a rout in the 77th when the teenage phenom rifled a shot from an angle over goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Raphinha got involved in the burgundy-and-blue party when he broke free with Madrid pressing forward and chipped Lunin in the 84th.
Mbappé had a frustrating first game against Barcelona in a white shirt.
The France star was repeatedly caught offside by Barcelona’s synchronized back four and failed to beat second-choice goalkeeper Iñaki Peña one-on-one with his team down two goals.
Hansi Flick, meanwhile, had a night to remember in the first clasico for the German coach.
Barcelona still has financial troubles that cast doubt over its future but its team has made huge steps forward since Flick replaced Barcelona great Xavi Hernández in the summer.
Barcelona opened a six-point lead at the top of La Liga over second-placed Madrid after 11 rounds.
“We had a tough week with tough games, but we knew how to pull it out. We played a great game,” Casadó, an unknown reserve team player until Flick picked him to be his holding midfielder, said after his impressive outing.
Casadó was one of five homegrown players that Flick put in his starting lineup, the same 11 that beat Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League three days before. A total of six players under 22 years old started for Barcelona, led by 17-year-olds Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, and showed no signs of being intimidated by the scenario.
Yamal upstaged Mbappé this summer when Spain beat France en route to winning the European Championship, and he did it again when he displayed the finishing touch that Mbappé was lacking. To top it off his scored his fine goal with his supposedly “not as good” right foot.
Mbappé was ruled offside five times in the first half hour, as Barcelona pressed high. Vinícius Júnior, who featured in a fascinating duel with Cubarsí, missed a golden chance in the 21st when he shot past the post from close.
Peña was questioned if he was up to the task of replacing Marc-Andre ter Stegen, out long term with a knee injury. His strong performance, which included two stops to deny Mbappé, was his first great game in goal for Barcelona.
“Our coach said that playing a high defensive line was non-negotiable,” Peña said. “It is risky to play with such a high defense line, but the effort and work of the entire team is reflected in the offside traps we are creating.”
Raphinha’s goal confirmed his massive step forward under Flick. The Brazil forward, who acted as Barcelona captain, has 10 goals in this campaign.
BREAKING: After 23 Years Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football—-The Portugal captain brings an extraordinary international career to an end after announcing he will hand over the iconic No. 7 shirt following the November international break, leaving behind 234 appearances and a record 146 goals.
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms, revealing that he will hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt after the November international break.
Ronaldo’s announcement marks the end of one of the most remarkable international careers in football history, having represented his country since making his senior debut in August 2003.
In his farewell message, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the privilege of representing Portugal for more than two decades.
“The day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said, acknowledging the responsibility and pride that came with wearing the famous jersey for 23 years.
Ronaldo Retires as International Football’s Greatest Goalscorer
Ronaldo leaves international football holding the records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international history.
The Al-Nassr forward made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring an extraordinary 146 goals during his 23-year international journey.
His remarkable numbers place him at the summit of international football, having consistently delivered goals and memorable performances across multiple generations of the Portuguese national team.
He also represented Portugal at six FIFA World Cups and became the first player to score at five different editions of the competition.
Euro 2016 Triumph Remains His Greatest International Achievement
One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title.
Despite being forced off through injury during the final against France, Ronaldo remained involved from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1–0 victory after extra time through Éder’s memorable goal.
He subsequently guided Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory in 2019 and again in 2025, adding two more major international honours to his collection.
Those achievements cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history.
A Difficult Final Chapter for the Portugal Captain
Ronaldo’s announcement comes after a turbulent period surrounding his relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.
The forward’s final chapter with the national team had attracted considerable attention following reports of disagreements during the previous international window.
However, his decision to retire brings an end to a career that has been defined by extraordinary achievements, individual records and an enduring commitment to representing his country.
Ronaldo’s Club Career Continues at Al-Nassr
Although his international journey is coming to an end, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from professional football.
The Portuguese superstar remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he continues to pursue further goals and trophies at club level.
His international retirement will allow Portugal to begin preparing for life without their long-serving captain, while the responsibility of wearing the iconic No. 7 shirt will eventually pass to another generation.
End of an Extraordinary Era
For more than two decades, Ronaldo carried the hopes of an entire nation, delivering unforgettable goals, historic victories and moments that helped transform Portugal into a major force in international football.
From his emotional debut in 2003 to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2016, his journey with the national team has been filled with remarkable milestones.
Now, at 41, one of football’s greatest careers at international level is reaching its conclusion.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal legacy:
International appearances: 234
International goals: 146
Major trophies: Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019 and 2025
Wednesday night delivered contrasting fortunes for England’s representatives in the UEFA Champions League, as Liverpool suffered a disappointing 3–2 defeat against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Slavia Prague, and Manchester City edged RB Leipzig 3–2 in a five-goal thriller.
The three encounters produced late drama, impressive individual performances and crucial points in the Champions League league phase, with Liverpool becoming the only one of the three English sides to leave the night empty-handed.
Liverpool Throw Away Two Leads in Istanbul
Liverpool suffered their first defeat of this season’s Champions League campaign after surrendering two leads in a dramatic 3–2 loss to Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
The Reds made a promising start and took the lead in the 25th minute through teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni, who found the net with a deflected effort to register his first senior goal for the club.
However, Fenerbahçe responded four minutes later when Mason Greenwood’s free-kick took a significant deflection before beating Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson to restore parity.
Liverpool continued to search for another breakthrough and eventually regained the advantage in the 69th minute through substitute Alexander Isak, who marked his introduction with a close-range finish after connecting with Cody Gakpo’s delivery.
But the visitors’ defensive problems returned almost immediately.
Archie Brown capitalised on a defensive misunderstanding to equalise for the Turkish side in the 73rd minute before Vedat Muriqi completed the turnaround six minutes later, heading home to give Fenerbahçe a 3–2 lead.
Liverpool were unable to find another response, suffering a damaging defeat that ended their perfect start to the European campaign.
Arsenal Survive Late Scare to Beat Slavia Prague
Arsenal maintained their unbeaten Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Slavia Prague in Czechia, although the Gunners were forced to withstand a nervy finish.
Mikel Arteta made six changes to his starting line-up following the weekend victory over Liverpool, but his side quickly demonstrated their attacking quality.
Noni Madueke opened the scoring in the ninth minute after receiving a clever pass from Viktor Gyökeres before calmly finishing past the Slavia goalkeeper.
The Swedish striker then turned goalscorer in the 38th minute, combining with Mikel Merino before producing a composed finish to double Arsenal’s advantage.
Arsenal dominated much of the first half but struggled to maintain the same control after the interval as Slavia Prague increased their attacking pressure.
David Raya produced important saves, while Gabriel Magalhães made crucial goal-line clearances to preserve the visitors’ advantage.
Slavia eventually pulled one back through Wiktor Nowak in the 90th minute, setting up a tense finish.
However, Arsenal held on through stoppage time to secure their third victory of the Champions League campaign and collect another valuable three points.
Haaland Rescues Manchester City in Leipzig Thriller
Manchester City produced a dramatic comeback performance to defeat RB Leipzig 3–2 at the Red Bull Arena, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.
City took the lead in the 37th minute when Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba inadvertently turned Nico O’Reilly’s cutback into his own net.
However, Leipzig responded immediately after the restart, with Ridle Baku equalising in the 49th minute to bring the home supporters back into the contest.
Manchester City restored their advantage in the 58th minute through Enzo Fernández, who finished after receiving a pass from Iliman Ndiaye.
The hosts refused to surrender, and Antonio Nusa levelled the score again in the 61st minute, making it 2–2 and setting up an exciting final half-hour.
With the contest finely balanced, Haaland stepped forward to deliver the decisive moment.
The Norwegian striker arrived at the far post in the 78th minute to convert Elliot Anderson’s excellent cross, giving City a 3–2 advantage.
Leipzig pushed for another equaliser, but Pep Guardiola’s side held firm to secure an important away victory and continue their positive Champions League campaign.
Contrasting Nights for England’s Champions League Representatives
The results provided a mixed European night for English football.
While Arsenal and Manchester City collected maximum points from difficult away fixtures, Liverpool were left frustrated after allowing Fenerbahçe to come from behind twice before scoring the winning goal.
Arsenal’s victory strengthened their position in the league-phase standings, while City’s dramatic success demonstrated their attacking resilience.
For Liverpool, however, the defeat in Istanbul represents a setback, with Andoni Iraola’s men needing to address their defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their remaining European fixtures.
