On Sunday, Barcelona beat Real Madrid 4-3 in a thrilling El Clásico at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium. This vital win has swung the momentum in Barca’s favour, and they have extended their lead at the top of La Liga.
Before the game, Barcelona were four points ahead of Real Madrid. With just 12 points left to play for this season, the victory puts them seven points ahead. Real, who can only obtain nine more points, look to be in an almost impossible position in their quest for the title after falling to a 0-4 record against Hansi Flick’s side this season.
Match Summary
Full Time: Barcelona 4-3 Real Madrid 
Goal Scorers:
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Kylian Mbappe (pen) 5′, 14′, 71′
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Eric Garcia 19′
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Lamine Yamal 32′
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Raphinha 34′, 45′
Drama and Key Moments
First-Half Frenzy:
Kylian Mbappe scored two first-half goals, one on a penalty kick in the fifth minute, to give the hosts a 2-0 lead in the 14th minute. Barcelona equalized thanks to goals from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to lead 4-2 at half time.
Mbappe Hat Trick:
Mbappe sealed his hat trick in the 71st with a finisher into an empty net following a Vinicius Jr.-orchestrated 2v1 counterattack. The goal pulled Real Madrid to within a goal, reminding everyone why Mbappe is one of the best forwards in the world.
Penalty Controversies:
The game was not without controversy. The Video Assistant Referee overturned a penalty for Barcelona in the 83rd, ruling that the close-range shot by Ferran Torres hit the hand of Aurelien Tchouameni. Real Madrid are down 4-3 and this one could be crucial in the title race.
Missed Opportunities:
Both sides had opportunities late in the game. Real Madrid debutant Victor Munoz squandered a 1v1 chance to equalize and Raphinha nearly doubled Barca’s lead, but fired narrowly wide from close range.
Turning Points
Besides the thrilling comeback, Barcelona’s tactical discipline and offensive depth was on display from the opening whistle. Ferran Torres was immaculate, notching three assists, and Raphinha’s brace underlined Barca’s threat from the flanks. Real Madrid will rue their defensive errors as they were undone by almost every chance Barcelona mustered.
Implications for La Liga
This win means Barcelona now have one hand on the La Liga trophy. Their seven-point advantage looks unbreachable with time running out in the season and leaves Real Madrid with little more than a mathematical hope of overhauling them.
This Clasico will be remembered as one of the most exciting in the competition’s history, demonstrating the intense rivalry and the exceptional talent on show.
Lineups
Barcelona:
Szczesny, Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin, De Jong, Pedri, Olmo, Yamal, Raphinha, Torres
Real Madrid:
Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Asencio, Garcia; Ceballos, Valverde; Bellingham, Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
Final Thoughts
With Mbappe’s hat trick, Raphinha’s precise finishing, the game had everything one could ask for as a fan. Only a few weeks to go, and Barcelona seems certain to take the La Liga title back to Catalunya. The stakes, the drama, the goals — this was El Clasico at its finest!
