Raphinha’s brace overcomes Mbappe’s hat-trick in seven-goal classic
Barcelona moved within touching distance of the La Liga title after a thrilling 4-3 win over arch-rivals Real Madrid on Sunday night. Despite a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona staged a remarkable comeback to overturn a two-goal deficit at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium.
Raphinha scored twice, while Eric Garcia and Lamine Yamal also found the net to secure a vital win that extends Barca’s lead at the top of the table to seven points with three matches remaining. One more victory could clinch their 28th Spanish league crown.
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Mbappe’s magic, Barca’s response
Real Madrid began explosively, going 2-0 up within 14 minutes. Mbappe converted a penalty in the 5th minute after being fouled by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and scored again in the 14th following a lightning counterattack assisted by Vinicius Jr.
However, Barcelona struck back quickly. Garcia headed in from a corner, Yamal equalised with a brilliant curling shot in the 32nd minute, and Raphinha capitalised on a midfield error by Mbappe to give Barca the lead just two minutes later. A defensive mistake by Lucas Vazquez allowed Raphinha to make it 4-2 just before halftime.
Courtois saves Real from further damage
Despite conceding four goals, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a series of superb saves to keep his side in the game during a second half dominated by Barcelona.
Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute with another quick break orchestrated by Vinicius Jr., but it wasn’t enough for the visitors, who now face the reality of ending the season without any major trophies.
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La Liga title within sight
Barcelona can seal the La Liga title as early as Wednesday if Real Madrid fail to beat Mallorca. Alternatively, a win over Espanyol in Thursday’s city derby will guarantee the championship regardless of Real’s result.
“We needed this win after the Champions League loss,” said teenager Lamine Yamal. “Suffering is what makes you stronger. This match gets us one step closer to the title.”
Ancelotti under pressure as Alonso rumors swirl
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was diplomatic post-match, saying: “It was a great match between two great teams. We competed but came up short.”
With Real’s title hopes fading, speculation is mounting that former midfielder Xabi Alonso could replace Ancelotti next season. The Bayer Leverkusen coach confirmed on Friday he will leave his current role at the end of the season.
