Islamabad, 12 May,2025: Barcelona moved within touching distance of the La Liga crown after a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Real Madrid in a pulsating El Clasico at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
Despite a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick, including two goals inside the opening 14 minutes, it was Barcelona who emerged triumphant in a match that lived up to its billing.
Real Madrid looked dominant early on. Mbappe scored from the penalty spot after being brought down by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and doubled the lead moments later after a fine pass from Vinicius Junior split Barcelona’s high defensive line.
However, Barcelona responded in stunning fashion. Eric Garcia began the revival with a header from a corner, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal levelled the score with a curling strike into the bottom corner.
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Moments later, Raphinha took advantage of a defensive mix-up to give Barcelona the lead.
The Brazilian added a fourth before half-time after dispossessing Lucas Vazquez and converting from Ferran Torres’ cross.
The second half began with Barcelona continuing to press, though Raphinha’s assist to Yamal was ruled out for offside.
Real Madrid pulled one back when Mbappe completed his hat-trick from close range, marking his 39th goal in all competitions — a club record for a debut season.
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Real Madrid had further chances, including a missed opportunity from substitute Victor Munoz and a low save by Szczesny to deny Mbappe again.
Fermin Lopez appeared to have scored a fifth for Barcelona late on, but VAR ruled it out for handball.
Barcelona’s fourth Clasico win of the season — a feat last achieved by the club in 1982-83 — highlights a shift in fortunes.
While Real Madrid have conceded 16 goals across these encounters, Barca’s relentless rise continues.
A win over Espanyol or a Real Madrid loss to Mallorca will officially seal the league title for Hansi Flick’s side.
