In a thrilling El Clasico at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday, Barcelona mounted a spectacular comeback to defeat Real Madrid 4-3, moving within touching distance of the La Liga title.
Despite Kylian Mbappe’s early hat-trick for Madrid, goals from Raphinha (two), Lamine Yamal, and Eric Garcia propelled Barcelona to a crucial victory that extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points with only three games remaining.
Real Madrid started the match strongly, with Mbappe scoring a penalty in the 5th minute after being fouled by Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and then doubling the lead in the 14th minute following a slick pass from Vinicius Junior. His 26th league goal of the season made him Real Madrid’s highest-ever debut season scorer, surpassing Ivan Zamorano’s record.
However, Barcelona responded with remarkable resilience. Eric Garcia headed in from a corner to make it 2-1, and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal curled a sublime equalizer. Raphinha then scored twice in quick succession before halftime, capitalizing on defensive errors, to put Barcelona ahead 4-2 at the break.
Although Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute, Real Madrid could not find a way back. Barcelona’s defense held firm despite a late disallowed goal from Fermin Lopez for handball. The victory marked Barcelona’s fourth Clasico win this season, underscoring their dominance over Carlo Ancelotti’s side and putting them on the cusp of their 28th La Liga crown.
“We’ve opened up an important gap, it was key to win this game after the Champions League (defeat), the fans have forgotten it, and so have we, let’s enjoy this,” said Yamal. “It was important to win today to bring the league title closer, and it went very well, we’re very happy.” Ancelotti admitted, “We have to defend better, that is quite evident from today’s game, we defended badly and that’s that.”
Barcelona can clinch the title as soon as Wednesday if Real Madrid falter against Mallorca, or with a win at Espanyol next. Meanwhile, Real Madrid face a season likely ending without major silverware after their Champions League exit to Inter Milan earlier in the week.
