Mbappé sets career offside record in Clásico bow
Kylian Mbappé was caught offside a career-high eight times in Saturday’s Clásico — matching the highest total for any player in a LaLiga game in the last 15 years — as Barcelona thrashed Real Madrid in a 4-0 victory.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice, taking his tally for the season to a league-leading 14 goals, before Lamine Yamal and Raphinha netted late on to send Barça six points clear of Madrid at the top of the table.
Mbappé ended the game at the Bernabéu having taken three shots, all on target, but was frequently frustrated by Barça’s high defensive line, with two goals being disallowed for offside.
The star forward has scored eight times in all competitions since arriving in Madrid this summer, but was unable to convert in his biggest test to date.
Mbappé’s eight offsides tied the most by a player in a LaLiga game since 2009, matching the unwanted record held by Elche’s Jonathas against Athletic Club in May 2015.
Speaking after the game, Barça’s players praised the coaching their manager Hansi Flick, who has made their offside trap the most effective in Europe’s big five leagues.
“We’ve been doing it all season, the defensive work is spectacular,” midfielder Marc Casadó said. “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.”
“Flick is incredible,” Yamal said. “He’s arrived, there’s been a radical change in the dressing room. You can see it in how we play. We have a lot of respect for him, he doesn’t have to shout or anything, he’s an incredible coach.”
