Daijiworld Media Network - Barcelona
Barcelona, May 12: In a pulsating and emotionally charged El Clasico, Barcelona edged Real Madrid 4–3 at the Camp Nou on Sunday, taking a giant leap toward clinching the La Liga title, despite a hat-trick from Madrid’s talisman Kylian Mbappe.
The exhilarating clash saw Barcelona erase an early two-goal deficit, powered by a Raphinha brace and goals from Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia, which propelled them to a seven-point lead over their arch-rivals with just three matches left in the season.
Under pressure after a Champions League semifinal exit to Inter Milan, Hansi Flick’s side showcased determination and character in what was a fourth consecutive Clasico triumph this season—a clear marker of their dominance over Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid.
“We knew we had to respond after Tuesday. The fans deserved this,” said 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who scored and dazzled once again. “This win brings us very close to the title. Now we enjoy.”
Madrid looked poised early on, with Mbappe converting a penalty after being brought down by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny—a decision Barcelona disputed due to an apparent offside in the build-up. The Frenchman quickly added a second in the 14th minute after being set up by Vinicius Junior, notching his 26th league goal and 38th across competitions, surpassing Ivan Zamorano’s club record for a debut season.
But the Catalans were far from finished. Garcia began the comeback with a sharp header from a corner, and Yamal equalized with a sublime curler past Thibaut Courtois after a clever assist from Ferran Torres. Moments later, Raphinha struck to make it 3–2, finishing after a neat through-ball from Pedri.
While Mbappe had another penalty appeal denied by VAR due to offside, Barcelona kept pressing. Raphinha soon bagged his second, capitalizing on a defensive error, playing a one-two with Torres, and coolly slotting past Courtois.
Although Mbappe completed his hat-trick with a late strike from a Vinicius assist—his second of the night—it wasn’t enough to prevent Madrid’s collapse.
Barcelona saw two more goals ruled out, including a stunning solo finish from Fermin Lopez for an alleged handball, and survived late scares with Szczesny saving sharply and Mbappe again caught offside.
Ancelotti, facing what could be his final Clasico, admitted his side's defensive frailties: “We attacked well, but we didn’t defend properly. That made all the difference.”
Flick echoed that concern. “It’s never easy for me; I suffer on the sidelines. We made too many defensive errors, but the spirit of this team is unmatched.”
Barcelona now sit on the verge of their second La Liga title in three years. They can secure the trophy as early as Wednesday if Madrid drop points against Mallorca. If not, a win against Espanyol on Thursday will crown them champions.
Forward Ferran Torres put it plainly: “We’ll seal it on Thursday. That’s all.”