With Franck Kessie’s late goal on Sunday, Barcelona snatched a 2-1 Clasico victory over Real Madrid to move 12 points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Madrid’s hopes of winning the title are dashed by this victory, and the Catalans are very close to winning it for the first time since 2019.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Genuine started to lead the pack through a Ronald Araujo own objective however Barcelona pulled level when Sergi Roberto tucked home not long before half-time.
“You can never give Madrid a chance with so many games left. 12 points is a difficult distance to cover, but we can do it, which is good.”
In the “Caso Negreira” refereeing scandal, Barcelona’s corruption charge overshadowed the match’s preparations.
Last week, Madrid joined the complaint filed by Spanish prosecutors against Barcelona. Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, skipped the game for the first time in over 20 years, as tensions between the two Spanish giants are rising.
That took care of the match’s force, both on and off the pitch, in Xavi’s 6th Clasico as Barcelona mentor yet just his first at Camp Nou.
One of the best atmospheres of the season was created when Xavi asked fans to turn the stadium into a pressure cooker. They did so, selling it out, cheering for Madrid to take possession, and so on.
the first minute of Madrid’s Copa del Rey :
Karim Benzema stung Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s palms in the first minute of Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg loss to Barcelona in March. Madrid had no shots on goal that day.
At the other end, Robert Lewandowski put Thibaut Courtois to the test by firing shots at him.
It was friendly fire when Barcelona gave up the game’s first goal. Ter Stegen was helpless as Araujo deflected Vinicius’ cross in at the near post.
In the past, Araujo, who is playing right back to counter the Brazilian, has enjoyed fighting Vinicius, but this time the winger won, albeit by accident. His ferocious celebration in front of Barcelona fans angered them.
It was only Barcelona’s second strike at home and their ninth overall goal from open play at Camp Nou during the La Liga season.
Comeback charge:
Barcelona argued that Nacho, a defender who was already booked, ought to have been sent off for handing Raphinha off.
The hosts didn’t get their desire, however were developing steam and tracked down the leading edge not long before half-time, from an improbable source.
Sergi Roberto, who was selected in place of injured midfielder Pedri, controlled a loose ball in the box and angled it past Courtois.
In comparison to their cup victory over Madrid, Barcelona had significantly more chances and possession.
Lewandowski sent a diverted piledriver barely wide as Madrid wobbled, inciting Carlo Ancelotti to throw the dice and welcome on Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy.
As Madrid robbed Sergio Busquets and Rodrygo smashed just inches over the bar, it almost paid off right away.
Madrid substitute Asensio terminated home what could have been the champ however the objective was precluded for offside after a brazen hang-tight for VAR guidance.
Kessie’s last-gasp goal at Camp Nou sparked wild celebrations, but Barcelona appeared content with the draw.
Courtois told Movistar when asked if Madrid’s chances of winning the title were over: Yes, we must be truthful, and we will fight until the end. However, we have the advantage in terms of head-to-head record (12 points), but they must lose four games and we must win them all.