Barcelona on the brink of La Liga title after El Clasico win

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.