The Santiago Bernabéu erupted in jubilation as Real Madrid snatched a dramatic 3-2 victory over Barcelona in the heart-stopping La Liga El Clásico. This last-minute win, courtesy of a Jude Bellingham screamer, extends Real Madrid’s lead at the top of the table to a near-unassailable 11 points.
The pressure was immense for Barcelona, who knew victory was essential to maintain any hope of a late title push. Their urgency paid off early with a sixth-minute goal from Andreas Christensen, capitalizing on a corner that left Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin stranded.
But Los Blancos roared back, dominating play and swiftly equalizing. Lucas Vázquez exposed João Cancelo, drawing a penalty from Pau Cubarsí. Vinícius Júnior coolly converted the spot-kick, ending Barcelona’s impressive six-game clean sheet streak. Controversy arose as VAR couldn’t definitively determine if a Lamine Yamal flick had crossed the line before Vázquez’s run.
The second half saw an injury force Barcelona’s influential Frenkie de Jong off, leading to a more open midfield battle. The 78,000 strong crowd held their breath as the match swung back and forth. A lapse in concentration from Lunin allowed Fermín López to put Barcelona ahead, but their lead was short-lived. Vinícius whipped in a perfect cross, met by a surging Vázquez who slammed the ball past Ter Stegen.
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Desperate for a win, Barcelona pushed forward, leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. Real Madrid punished them ruthlessly. Bellingham, the hero of the previous Clásico with a late winner, rose again. Latching onto a Vázquez pass, he unleashed a powerful strike into the net, sending the Bernabéu into a frenzy.
This last-minute heartbreak ends Barcelona’s 10-match unbeaten run and leaves their title defense hopes hanging by a thread. Real Madrid, on the other hand, march on with a commanding lead and their sights firmly set on the La Liga crown. Lucas Vázquez’s tireless performance earned him the Man of the Match award, but it was Bellingham’s dramatic late winner that stole the show.
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