Barcelona staged a dramatic comeback to clinch a thrilling 4-3 win over Real Madrid in Sunday’s El Clásico, taking a significant step towards securing the La Liga title and leaving their rivals on the verge of a trophyless season.
Despite a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappé, the Catalans turned the tide through goals from Raphinha, who bagged a brace, and strikes from Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia. The result extends Barça’s lead to seven points over Madrid with only three league matches left.
Coming off a disappointing Champions League semi-final exit to Inter Milan earlier in the week, Hansi Flick’s side bounced back with a spirited display to claim a fourth Clásico victory this season — a clean sweep over Carlo Ancelotti’s team.
Madrid, who had made a flying start, are now facing the possibility of finishing the season empty-handed.
“We simply defended poorly, and that’s the story of the match,” Ancelotti admitted. “Mbappé was excellent up front, but our overall defending wasn’t good enough.”
Mbappé had fired Madrid into an early two-goal lead. He converted a penalty after being brought down by Barça keeper Wojciech Szczęsny — despite protests about a possible offside — and added a second minutes later after being played in by Vinícius Júnior.
The French forward’s double took him to the top of the league scoring charts with 26 goals, surpassing Robert Lewandowski, and broke Ivan Zamorano’s club record for most goals in a debut season with Madrid.
Barcelona responded with resilience. Eric Garcia pulled one back with a well-timed header following a corner, before Yamal curled in a brilliant equaliser after being set up by Ferran Torres.
Raphinha gave Barça the lead shortly after, finishing off a slick move orchestrated by Pedri. The Brazilian then struck again before half-time, robbing Lucas Vázquez, playing a one-two with Torres, and finishing coolly.
Although Mbappé completed his hat-trick midway through the second half, Madrid’s hopes of a comeback were dashed as further goals — including one from Fermin López — were chalked off, and substitute Víctor Muñoz squandered a late chance.
Barcelona now have one hand on the title and could seal it as early as Wednesday if Real Madrid fail to beat Mallorca.
