The controversial play Barcelona is protesting in Kylian Mbappe’s goal against Real Madrid

Tension erupted at the Estadi Lluis Companys after Kylian Mbappe scored Real Madrid’s second goal of the night against Barcelona. While the French forward’s finish was clinical, the lead-up to the play has sparked major controversy and strong protests from the home side.

Barcelona players and staff were furious after the goal, claiming that there was a clear foul on Lamine Yamal seconds before the counterattack that ended with Mbappe’s 2-0 strike. The young winger appeared to be pushed off the ball near the halfway line, but the referee waved play on, allowing Madrid to launch a quick transition that caught the defense off guard.

The decision left the Barcelona bench livid, with Xavi and several players voicing their frustration both on the field and from the sidelines. Replays showed contact on Yamal, but VAR chose not to intervene, considering it not enough to overturn the referee’s original call.

The goal gave Real Madrid a two-goal cushion and seemed to tilt the momentum heavily in their favor. However, Barcelona managed to respond shortly after, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and keeping the match alive. Even so, the sense of injustice lingers among the culés, who feel the non-call changed the course of the game.

As the match continues, this incident is likely to remain a major talking point—especially if the final result favors Real Madrid. For now, the controversy adds more fire to an already electrifying edition of El Clasico.