Barcelona have taken a major step towards claiming their first La Liga title since 2019, after a dramatic 2-1 win against Real Madrid.
Xavi‘s team have increased their lead to 12 points at the top of the table, drastically reducing Los Blancos chances of defending the trophy, after a bold El Clasico home win at the Camp Nou.
Carlo Ancelotti‘s side failed to cut the deficit on their rivals, despite taking an undeserved early lead thanks to Ronald Araujo‘s own goal.
Madrid strike first! ⚪
It's an early lead for the visitors as Vini Jr's cross deflects off Ronald Araújo and into the back of the net 😱
The Brazilian is winning the battle between the pair in the opening stages 👀🇧🇷#ElClásico pic.twitter.com/2sXdfaByOC
— Watch ElClásico live on Viaplay (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 19, 2023
An own goal from Araujo gives Real Madrid the lead! 👀 pic.twitter.com/YptEkZmLa7
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 19, 2023
GOAL!@vinijr's strike deflects in off @RonaldAraujo_4 as @realmadrid take an early lead in #ElClasico!#beINLiga pic.twitter.com/zAjQWQM53b
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) March 19, 2023
However, La Blaugrana turned the tide just before half time, as Sergi Roberto unexpectedly netted an equaliser, after the visitors failed to clear Araujo’s cross.
Sergi Roberto with a beautiful finish for the Barça equaliser! 🔥
He hasn't always been the most popular player with the fans but one of Xavi's favourite players has come up with a big moment to send the crowd wild 🙌#ElClásico pic.twitter.com/KaMS7ZaNRQ
— Watch ElClásico live on Viaplay (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 19, 2023
SERGI ROBERTO TIES IT FOR BARCELONA! GAME ON! pic.twitter.com/ibxPbMDmXU
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 19, 2023
GOAL!@FCBarcelona are level 🤝
It's a fine finish from Sergi Roberto past Courtois on the stroke of half-time!#beINLiga #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/JZTcbjRsko
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) March 19, 2023
However, just as the tie looked set to drift off to a 1-1 draw, Barcelona stole all three points in added time, as Ivory Coast international Franck Kessie came off the bench to tuck home his first ever goal for Barcelona.
FRANCK KESSIÉ! 👏🇨🇮
It's a first LaLiga goal for the Ivorian and what a time to get it 🔵🔴
The Spotify Camp Nou is rocking as the midfielder finds the net against Real Madrid 🔥#ElClásico pic.twitter.com/sjS99jatNJ
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 19, 2023
KESSIE 90TH MINUTE GOAL!
WOW WHAT A MATCH! pic.twitter.com/9L3IXUzT4J
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 19, 2023
GOAL!
Late, late drama 😱
Franck Kessié comes up with a massive goal for @FCBarcelona in stoppage time!#beINLiga #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/gjqbAe4Ovd
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) March 19, 2023
Both sides will return to action at the start of next month, following the international break, with a Copa del Rey semi final meeting in Barcelona on April 5
Images via Getty Images.
Mc in the house Mc in the house another wee win tonight for the wee Bribelona,barcELona and done it without two of our best players pedri and dembele,all this crap outside noise threats jealously and still the wee wins keep on coming Forca Barca Fail Madrid
Youre failing where yourent supposed to fail, namely economy. We all know what quick fixes such as selling off 600 mil in assets to buy players for 120 mil just to win liga (and fail in EL) will amount to.
After buying 15 players in last 1,5 seasons I guess you earned that one.
Hahahaha.
PS thank God Perez isnt that st.pid.