Barcelona took a giant step toward the La Liga title with a sensational 4-3 victory over Real Madrid, coming from two goals down despite a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick in a thrilling Clasico.
Mbappe gave Real the perfect start with two goals inside the first 14 minutes — the first from the penalty spot after being fouled by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and the second following a superb through ball from Vinicius Junior.
But Barcelona responded with a blistering first-half turnaround. Eric Garcia headed in from a corner, and teenager Lamine Yamal curled in a brilliant equaliser.
Raphinha then struck twice — first capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to fire past Courtois, then finishing a Ferran Torres cut-back after robbing Lucas Vazquez.
Though Mbappe completed his hat-trick midway through the second half — taking his debut-season tally to a record-breaking 39 goals — Real couldn’t find an equaliser.
Fermin Lopez thought he’d added a fifth for Barcelona late on, but it was ruled out for handball after a VAR check.
Barcelona’s dominance over their rivals this season continued, having now beaten Madrid in La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup final, the Copa del Rey final, and this fourth Clasico — matching their record from the 1982-83 season.
The victory puts Hansi Flick’s side seven points clear at the top with three games remaining. They can seal the title with a win over Espanyol on Thursday, or if Real Madrid drop points against Mallorca.
