The Pichichi race is heating up after Gameweek 11, and while Kylian Mbappé continues to fire for Real Madrid, it’s Barcelona’s Raphinha who sits firmly at the top of the pile heading into November. Here’s where the Golden Boot contenders stand after a busy weekend of La Liga action.
What Happened
Saturday belonged to Barcelona — and specifically to two of their most dangerous forwards. Raphinha bagged a brace as the Blaugrana dismantled Deportivo Alavés 6-1 at the Spotify Camp Nou, a result that sent a statement to the rest of La Liga. The Brazilian winger’s double pushed his tally to 15 league goals for the season and stretched his lead at the top of the Pichichi standings back out to four goals. At this rate, Raphinha isn’t just in the conversation — he’s running away with it.
Equally eye-catching on the day was Lamine Yamal, who also netted twice in that Alavés demolition. The 19-year-old sensation hit double figures for the league campaign in the process — 10 goals in 11 games is a remarkable return for someone his age, and it signals just how dangerous Barça’s attack has become this season. Two Blaugrana players in the top three of the Pichichi standings tells its own story about the kind of form Hansi Flick’s side are in.
Then came Sunday, and Real Madrid’s turn. Kylian Mbappé got on the scoresheet against Racing Santander, converting from the penalty spot to reach 12 La Liga goals for the season. The Frenchman, who has won the Pichichi award in each of the last two seasons, remains very much in the hunt — but he’ll need to start closing the gap on Raphinha if he’s going to make it three in a row.
Pichichi standings after Gameweek 11:
- Raphinha (Barcelona) — 15 goals
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid) — 12 goals
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) — 10 goals
What It Means for Real Madrid
From a Madridista perspective, the good news is that Mbappé is still producing — 12 goals in 11 La Liga appearances is an exceptional return by almost any standard. A penalty may feel like a slightly underwhelming way to hit a milestone, but goals are goals, and the Frenchman’s ability to clock up numbers even in games where he might not be at his very best is exactly what you want from a top striker.
What’s slightly concerning, however, is the gap between Mbappé and Raphinha. Three goals may not sound like much at this stage of the season, but Barcelona’s form — putting six past Alavés is no fluke — suggests the gap could grow before it shrinks. Mbappé won back-to-back Pichichi awards and proved he could be the most lethal scorer in Spain; now he needs to remind everyone of that again.
It’s also worth noting that Yamal at 10 goals is lurking dangerously in third. If Madrid’s defence of the Pichichi is to succeed, they’ll need Mbappé firing at close to his absolute best across the coming weeks — and ideally with Real Madrid creating the kinds of high-scoring opportunities that Barcelona seem to be generating with ease right now.
What’s Next
The race is long, and Mbappé’s track record speaks for itself — he is one of the most prolific forwards on the planet, and a three-goal deficit after 11 games is absolutely recoverable. Real Madrid supporters will be watching closely to see whether their star striker can go on one of his trademark scoring runs and put pressure back on Raphinha at the top of the standings.
For now though, it’s the Catalans who hold the bragging rights in the Pichichi race. Two of the top three scorers in La Liga wearing Blaugrana colours is a reminder of just how serious the title rivalry between these two clubs promises to be this season. Mbappé and Madrid will need to step it up — and given the quality involved, don’t bet against them doing exactly that.
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