Barcelona’s win over Real Madrid in El Clasico has put Madrid’s title defense in jeopardy, with Barcelona moving 12 points clear at the top of La Liga. Franck Kessie’s late goal sealed the win for Barcelona and ended Madrid’s hopes of retaining the title. The build-up to the match was intense, with tensions between the two Spanish giants evident on and off the pitch. Barcelona had more possession and chances than their cup win over Madrid, with Sergi Roberto scoring the equalizer just before half-time. Madrid’s substitute Asensio’s goal was ruled out for offside, but Barcelona’s Kessie secured the win with a last-gasp strike. Despite the setback, Madrid will continue to fight until the end, but it will be challenging for them to defend the title.
Barcelona Claims El Clasico Win Over Real Madrid, Puts Title Defense in Jeopardy
Barcelona secured a significant 2-1 victory over their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, in El Clasico on Sunday, taking them 12 points clear at the top of La Liga. Franck Kessie’s last-gasp goal sealed the win for the Catalan giants, ending Madrid’s hopes of retaining the title and edging Barcelona closer to lifting the trophy for the first time since 2019.
Ronald Araujo’s own goal put Carlo Ancelotti’s Real in front, but Sergi Roberto leveled the scoreline before halftime. Both sides created opportunities to win the game, but a Marco Asensio goal for Madrid was ruled offside by VAR. Alejandro Balde then set up Kessie’s winning goal in the 92nd minute.
According to Sergi Roberto, Barcelona’s victory felt sweeter, given their previous predicament in the match. He added that the 12-point lead is a precarious distance to maintain, but it’s up to Barcelona to control their destiny in the remaining games.
In the build-up to the match, Barcelona was embroiled in a corruption scandal involving the “Caso Negreira” refereeing scandal. Madrid joined Spanish prosecutors’ complaint against Barcelona last week, and their president, Florentino Perez, refused to attend the match for the first time in over 20 years. The tensions between the two Spanish giants were palpable on and off the pitch, making for an intense game at Camp Nou.
Barcelona coach, Xavi, urged the fans to create a pressure cooker atmosphere, and they responded, selling out the stadium and whistling Madrid in possession. The match’s atmosphere was one of the best of the season.
Although Madrid failed to hit the target in their Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg defeat in March, Karim Benzema tested Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s palms inside the first minute. Robert Lewandowski responded by challenging Thibaut Courtois at the other end.
Despite Araujo’s deflection off Vinicius’ cross for Madrid’s opening goal, Barcelona has only conceded two home goals all season and none from open play. This statistic underlines their prowess and defensive stability at Camp Nou.
In conclusion, Barcelona’s El Clasico win over Real Madrid dealt a severe blow to their title defense. They are now 12 points clear at the top of La Liga, and Madrid will have to rely on Barcelona’s failure in the remaining games to have any chance of winning the title.
Barcelona’s Comeback Charge against Real Madrid puts Title Defense in Jeopardy
Barcelona has complained about defender Nacho’s hand-off on Raphinha and called for a booking, but the request went unheeded. However, the hosts’ comeback charge gathered steam and paid off when Sergi Roberto scored just before half-time.
Barcelona had more possession and chances than their cup win over Madrid, with Lewandowski almost scoring as Madrid wobbled. Ancelotti brought on Rodrygo and Mendy, but Madrid’s substitute Asensio’s goal was ruled out for offside after a nervy wait for VAR instruction.
Barcelona seemed content with a draw, but Kessie’s last-gasp strike secured the win and sparked wild celebrations at Camp Nou. Courtois admitted that it would be challenging for Madrid to defend the title as they would have to win all their games while hoping Barcelona would lose four games.
Despite the setback, Madrid will keep fighting until the end.
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