Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in El Clasico, leaving Madrid 12 points behind in the La Liga title race. Franck Kessie’s last-minute goal gave Barcelona the win and puts them on track to lift the trophy for the first time since 2019. Real took the lead through a Ronald Araujo own goal, but Sergi Roberto levelled the scores just before half-time. Marco Asensio’s goal for Madrid was ruled out for offside by VAR. The match was intense, both on and off the pitch, due to Barcelona’s corruption charge in the “Caso Negreira” refereeing scandal. The sold-out Camp Nou crowd responded to Barcelona coach Xavi’s call for an intense atmosphere, and Barcelona had significantly more possession and chances than in their cup win over Madrid. Madrid’s goalkeeper, Courtois, admitted that it would be very difficult for Madrid to defend their title.
Barcelona have dealt a blow to Real Madrid’s hopes of retaining the La Liga title with a 2-1 victory in the Clasico on Sunday. Franck Kessie’s late goal secured the win and moved Barcelona 12 points clear at the top of the league. Real took the lead through a Ronald Araujo own goal, but Sergi Roberto levelled the scores just before half-time. Both teams had opportunities to secure the win, but Marco Asensio’s goal was ruled out by VAR. Alejandro Balde set up Kessie’s winner in the 92nd minute. The win puts Barcelona on track to lift the trophy for the first time since 2019. Xavi, Barcelona’s coach, urged fans to create an intense atmosphere, which they did, and the sold-out Camp Nou crowd responded by whistling Madrid in possession.
Madrid joined Spanish prosecutors’ complaint against Barcelona last week in the “Caso Negreira” refereeing scandal. Madrid’s President, Florentino Perez, snubbed the game amid rising tensions between the two Spanish giants. The match’s intensity was fueled by the controversy, both on and off the pitch, in Xavi’s sixth Clasico as Barcelona coach, but his first at Camp Nou.
Barcelona’s Araujo deflected Vinicius’ cross into his own net to give Madrid the lead. However, it was the first goal from open play that Barcelona had conceded at Camp Nou in La Liga all season. Sergi Roberto’s goal before half-time levelled the scores, and the teams were evenly matched in the second half. Asensio thought he had won it for Madrid, but VAR ruled his goal offside. In the 92nd minute, Kessie scored the winner, leaving Madrid 12 points behind Barcelona. While the lead is substantial, Roberto said, “There are a lot of games left, and you can never give Madrid up for dead.”
Barcelona’s Comeback Charge in El Clasico
Barcelona complained about a hand-off by defender Nacho on Raphinha that they felt should have resulted in a red card. Despite not getting their wish, Barcelona managed to find the breakthrough just before half-time through Sergi Roberto. He was selected in place of the injured Pedri and controlled a loose ball in the box to score.
Barcelona had significantly more possession and chances than in their cup win over Madrid. Lewandowski sent a deflected piledriver narrowly wide as Madrid wobbled, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to bring on Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy. Madrid almost capitalized on the substitutions as they robbed Sergio Busquets, but Rodrygo’s shot went inches over the bar.
Madrid substitute Asensio fired home what might have been the winner, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a nervy wait for VAR instruction. Barcelona seemed content with the draw, but Kessie’s last-gasp strike sparked wild celebrations at Camp Nou.
Courtois, Madrid’s goalkeeper, was asked if Madrid’s hopes of defending the title were over. He said, “Yes, we have to be honest, we will keep fighting until the end, but it’s (12 points) now, we have the better head-to-head, but they have to lose four games, and we have to win them all. Nothing is impossible, but it’s very difficult.”
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