Barcelona secured a crucial 4-3 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid to get closer to the La Liga title. The clash between the two heavyweights, famously dubbed El Clasico, was played at Barcelona’s Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Real started the day four points behind league leaders Barca and finished seven points off with three matches remaining. Tonight was Barca's fourth El Clasico victory of the season, including a 4-0 triumph in the reverse fixture in Santiago Bernabeu in October.

Raphinha's brace was the highlight from the home side's perspective as they overcame a two-goal deficit. Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick for the visitors, just like in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final for France against Argentina, which the South Americans won on penalties. But just like then, he ended up on the losing side.

Real Madrid's French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring a goal with teammates during the La Liga match against FC Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, on May 11, 2025. Photo: AFP/ Lluis Gene
Real Madrid's French forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring a goal with teammates during the La Liga match against FC Barcelona at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, on May 11, 2025. Photo: AFP/ Lluis Gene

Mbappe opened the scoring from the penalty spot and extended the lead with a quick counter just nine minutes later. Barca pulled one back through Eric Garcia within 15 minutes, and just after half an hour, the game was tied at 2-2 with Lamine Yamal curling in brilliantly from the right corner.

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Raphinha scored twice before half-time to put Barca in command at 4-2. First, the Brazilian finished off a quick counter after Mbappe gave the ball away in midfield, and then accepted a gift from Real captain Lucas Vazquez. Mbappe scored in the 70th minute to set up an exciting final 20 minutes, but Barca held firm.

Barcelona are aiming a 28th La Liga title and they should do it with an away victory over Espanyol on May 16.

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