Despite Mbappe Hat-trick, Barca’s First-half Blitz Seals Crucial Victory
Barcelona pulled off a dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Real Madrid in an electrifying El Clasico, bringing them within one win of clinching the La Liga title. The high-stakes clash saw Kylian Mbappe score a hat-trick for Madrid, but it wasn’t enough to stop a relentless Barcelona side.
Mbappe opened the scoring with two early goals — one from open play and another from the penalty spot after being brought down by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. He added a third in the second half, making him Real Madrid’s highest-scoring debutant with 39 goals.
However, Barcelona turned the game around with a stunning 25-minute attacking display before halftime. Eric Garcia sparked the comeback, Lamine Yamal curled in a sensational goal, and Raphinha struck twice as Real Madrid’s defense collapsed.
Although Mbappe completed his hat-trick to reduce the deficit and Madrid pushed hard for a late equalizer, Barcelona held firm. Fermin Lopez appeared to have added a fifth, but the goal was disallowed by VAR for a handball in the buildup.
With the win, Barcelona move seven points clear at the top of La Liga with just three matches remaining. A victory over Espanyol on Thursday will secure the league title, regardless of Real Madrid’s result against Mallorca.
This match marked Barcelona’s fourth El Clasico win of the season — a feat they last achieved in the 1982–83 campaign, having already defeated Madrid in the league, Super Cup final, and Copa del Rey final.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, just 17, earned Player of the Match honors for his goal and assist in what could be a defining performance under new manager Hansi Flick.
