Barcelona snatches dramatic victory El Clasico victory over Real Madrid

Franck Kessie scored a dramatic late winner to lift Barcelona to a 12-point lead in La Liga.

Real Madrid took the lead against the odds in El Clasico when Vinicius Jr’s cross was headed into his own net by Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

After Raphinha’s effort was blocked, Sergi Roberto scored for Barcelona just before halftime.

Real Madrid’s late strike by Marco Asensio was ruled out for offside, before Kessie scored in injury time.

Both teams have 12 league games remaining, and Barcelona is in a commanding position to win the title for the first time since 2018-19.

As it happened: Barcelona vs. Real Madrid
“You can never say [the title] is over, but we have now gone 12 points clear, so it’s difficult for them,” Roberto said.

“The most important thing is that it is up to us. I’m just glad I was able to assist the team with a goal. It was epic in the end, and I’m glad Franck got the goal.

“The game swung when we thought Asensio had scored, it was ruled offside and we scored. It’s even better when you win with a late goal, and it’s extra special to do so in front of our fans.”

Sergi Roberto of Barcelona equalizes against Real Madrid at the Nou Camp.

Real Madrid came into this game having defeated Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday to complete a 6-2 aggregate victory and advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Karim Benzema, who scored against Liverpool, had the first shot of the game inside the first minute, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved his effort from outside the penalty area.

However, the visitors were grateful to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made excellent saves to deny Robert Lewandowski’s well-struck 25-yard effort and Raphinha’s header.

Real Madrid took the lead in the ninth minute, but Barcelona, the 26-time Spanish champion, had the better of the first half.

Andreas Christensen missed two chances, and Raphinha had a shot saved by Courtois before Roberto equalized in the 45th minute.

Real Madrid came into this game having defeated Liverpool 1-0 on Wednesday to complete a 6-2 aggregate victory and advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Karim Benzema, who scored against Liverpool, had the first shot of the game inside the first minute, but Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved his effort from outside the penalty area.

However, the visitors were grateful to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made excellent saves to deny Robert Lewandowski’s well-struck 25-yard effort and Raphinha’s header.

Real Madrid took the lead in the ninth minute, but Barcelona, the 26-time Spanish champion, had the better of the first half.

Andreas Christensen missed two chances, and Raphinha had a shot saved by Courtois before Roberto equalized in the 45th minute.

Lewandowski, who leads La Liga with 15 goals, had a shot deflected just wide before Real substitute Rodrygo fired over in his first appearance.

Raphinha came close to winning it in the 74th minute but was denied by another excellent Courtois save, while Lewandowski also shot into the side netting.

Asensio had only been on the field for six minutes when he scored late for Real, but the goal was ruled out due to a close offside decision by the video assistant referee.

In the 92nd minute, substitute Kessie scored for Barcelona after good work from Alejandro Balde.

“The league is not decided, but it’s a huge win,” Barcelona manager Xavi said.

“I believe we deserved to win, and we were better than Real Madrid in terms of opportunities created.”

Barcelona’s next match is away to Elche on April 1st, before Real Madrid hosts Real Valladolid the following day.

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