Kylian Mbappé was the first to speak out following Real Madrid's painful loss to Barcelona, a result that all but seals the race for the LaLiga EA Sports championship. The French striker, who scored a hat-trick, urged Madrid fans to stay calm and look to the future with hope.

"It's a tough night, but this team will rise again," Mbappé said after the thrilling 4-3 clash at the Montjuïc Stadium, where Hansi Flick's side came from behind to take all three points. The forward, who scored twice in the first 15 minutes and once more in the second half, acknowledged his team’s defensive lapses but also praised their fighting spirit until the final whistle.

A Clásico That Defined the Season

Barcelona emerged victorious in the fourth official Clásico of the season—fifth if the preseason friendly in the U.S. is counted—pulling off a stunning comeback. Despite falling behind 0-2 early on, thanks to Mbappé’s quickfire brace, the Catalans responded with conviction: Eric García pulled one back in the 19th minute, Lamine Yamal equalized in the 32nd, and Raphinha struck twice (34’ and 45’) to put Barça ahead before the break.

The second half was a rollercoaster of emotions. Mbappé reduced the deficit in the 70th minute and came close to leveling the score late on, as did youth product Víctor Muñoz, who had a clear chance. Fermín López had a goal disallowed, but that didn’t dampen the celebrations of the home side, who held on for a crucial win.

The result leaves Barcelona seven points clear of Real Madrid with only three matches remaining. If Madrid fail to beat Mallorca on Wednesday, Barça could clinch the title without playing, although they could also seal it themselves on Thursday with a win in the Catalan derby against Espanyol.

Mbappé, Top Scorer and Madrid’s Only Silver Lining

Mbappé’s hat-trick puts him atop the league's scoring charts, surpassing Robert Lewandowski, who didn’t feature in the match. Still, it was little consolation for a Madrid side that watched its final domestic hope slip away.

Despite the disappointment, Mbappé's words sought to prevent a mental collapse within the squad. “We have to keep our heads high and focus on what’s ahead. This badge demands that we keep fighting until the very end,” said the Frenchman, who is already shaping up to be the team’s main leader heading into next season.