Barcelona produced a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in a thrilling El Clasico on Sunday, bringing them within touching distance of the 2025 La Liga title. Despite a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe, Hansi Flick’s young Barcelona squad responded with firepower of their own, thanks to a brace from Raphinha and goals by Lamine Yamal and Eric Garcia.
The high-octane clash, held just days after Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final exit to Inter Milan, saw Flick’s side bounce back with confidence and composure. This marked their fourth El Clasico win in as many matches this season, solidifying their supremacy over Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Mbappe gave Madrid an early 2-0 lead, converting a penalty and then finishing clinically after a pass from Vinicius Junior. His brace came amidst controversy, with Barcelona players protesting potential fouls in the build-up to both goals. The French star now leads the La Liga goal-scoring chart with 26 strikes.
Barcelona’s comeback began when Eric Garcia headed in from a corner after Gerard Martin’s shot was saved by Thibaut Courtois. Lamine Yamal, continuing his breakout season, curled in the equaliser after combining with Ferran Torres. The momentum fully shifted when Pedri fed Raphinha for a powerful finish, giving Barca a 3-2 lead. Raphinha struck again after dispossessing Lucas Vazquez, linking up with Torres to beat Courtois for the fourth time.
Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the second half after a brilliant link-up with Vinicius, but two of his goals were eventually ruled out for offside. Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez appeared to have sealed the win with a solo goal, but it was controversially disallowed for handball. Despite late pressure from Madrid and chances for substitute Victor Munoz, Barca held on.
Barcelona now lead the La Liga table by seven points, with only three games remaining. They could clinch the title as soon as Wednesday if Real Madrid fail to win their next fixture against Mallorca.
