After a thrilling El Clasico, Real Madrid defeated Barcelona to go 11 points clear at the top of La Liga thanks to a late goal from Jude Bellingham.
Real Madrid twice attacked the Bernabeu from behind, and as stoppage time approached, Bellingham crashed into the net’s ceiling.
Barcelona’s first goal came from Andres Christensen, but a penalty kick from Vinicius Jr. tied the score at the half.
Barca led 2-1 after Fermin Lopez’s goal, but Lucas Vazquez equalized once more.
With six games remaining in the season, Real is well-positioned to recover the crown after this victory.
In just six minutes, it appeared that Barcelona would have a successful evening as Christensen climbed above Toni Kroos to meet Raphinha’s corner.
But those celebrations were short lived as referee Cesar Soto Grado pointed to the penalty spot when Pau Cubarsi fouled Vazquez in the area, handing Vinicius the opportunity to score his 13th La Liga goal of the campaign.
Lamine Yamal flicked a corner towards goal, thinking he had given Barcelona the lead again, but goalie Andriy Lunin, who was positioned behind the line, swiped it away.
Barcelona insisted that the ball had crossed the line, but the video assistant referee determined that it had not since La League lacks goalline technology.
Lopez’s close-range goal in the 69th minute ignited a tight second half after Lunin parried a cross into his path.
But, Vazquez came out unmarked at the far post to meet Vinicius’ cross, and Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid pulled even again just four minutes later.
Real Madrid’s winning streak in all competitions now stands at 28 games, with 22 victories and six draws.
with their last loss at home coming against Villarreal on 8 April 2023.
England midfielder Bellingham has been a key player for Real Madrid, scoring twice in their 2-1 win at Estadio Olímpico Lluis Companys. His last-gasp winner at the Bernabeu makes him the first Real player to score in their first two La Liga El Clasicos since 2007. Bellingham’s 103m euros ($88.5m) transfer from Real to Borussia Dortmund in the summer is looking like a bargain.
With 17 goals in La Liga this season, he is the second highest scorer in the division, just one behind Girona’s Artem Dovbyk. Real aims to end the season with a La Liga and Champions League double. Barcelona coach Xavi expressed frustration over the lack of goalline technology in La Liga, stating that if they want to be the best league in the world, they must invest in this technology.
(BBC)
