Barcelona produced a thrilling comeback to edge past arch-rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a pulsating El Clasico on Sunday night, placing themselves on the cusp of reclaiming the La Liga title.
Despite a sensational hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe, the Catalan side overcame an early two-goal deficit thanks to a gritty team effort, led by Raphinha’s brace and pivotal goals from Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia. The victory gives Hansi Flick’s team a commanding seven-point lead over Madrid with just three matches remaining.
After a disappointing Champions League semifinal exit to Inter Milan earlier in the week, Barcelona faced intense pressure heading into the high-stakes clash. Real Madrid, eager to spoil Flick’s revival, started with intensity and precision. Mbappe converted a controversial penalty after a collision with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny and quickly followed it up with a clinical finish in the 14th minute, moving him to the top of the La Liga scoring charts with 26 goals.
Barcelona, however, refused to crumble. Eric Garcia sparked the revival with a powerful header from a corner, and Yamal – undeterred by a rough early challenge – curled in a stunning equalizer. “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,” Yamal told Movistar, reflecting the jubilant mood.
Raphinha took center stage next, first firing home after a clever pass from Pedri and then capping a brilliant solo effort that saw him intercept Lucas Vazquez and play a slick one-two with Ferran Torres. Though Mbappe completed his hat-trick following a slick counterattack, the Frenchman’s efforts were not enough to prevent a fourth defeat in as many Clasicos this season for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Madrid had chances to claw back in the closing stages, but substitute Victor Munoz squandered a golden opportunity, and Szczesny denied Mbappe yet again. A dazzling solo goal from Fermin Lopez was controversially disallowed for handball, but it mattered little as the final whistle confirmed another unforgettable victory for Barcelona.
“It was important to win today to bring the league title closer and it went very well, we’re very happy,” said Yamal, beaming with confidence.
Barcelona could now clinch the title as early as Wednesday if Real Madrid slip up against Mallorca — a remarkable turnaround for a team that looked on the brink of losing just days earlier.
