Wafric News – May 12, 2025

Barcelona took a giant leap toward reclaiming the La Liga title on Sunday evening, battling back from two goals down to secure a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid — despite a stunning hat-trick from Los Blancos’ star forward, Kylian Mbappé.

In a fiery El Clásico showdown at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, the Catalans delivered a resilient performance marked by sharp attacking football and ruthless punishment of Madrid’s defensive errors. With just three games left in the campaign, Barça now sit seven points clear at the top and could wrap up the league title as early as Thursday.

Mbappé’s Masterclass Not Enough

The night began in spectacular fashion for Real Madrid, as Mbappé netted twice inside the opening quarter-hour. His first came from the penalty spot in the fifth minute after he was brought down by Barça goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny. Minutes later, he doubled the advantage, finishing a swift counterattack orchestrated by Vinícius Jr.

Yet, what seemed like a dream start for the defending champions quickly unraveled.

Barcelona struck back decisively. Eric García rose highest to head home from a corner in the 19th minute, cutting the deficit in half. Then 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal levelled the score with a sublime curling strike from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute, a goal that left Thibaut Courtois rooted to the spot.

Just moments later, a misplaced pass by Mbappé in midfield handed Barcelona the momentum again. Raphinha took full advantage, charging forward on a rapid counter and finishing coolly to make it 3-2. The Brazilian forward wasn’t done yet. After Real had a second penalty shout overturned due to offside, captain Lucas Vázquez made a costly mistake that allowed Raphinha to grab his second and Barça’s fourth just before halftime.

Defensive Chaos, Goalkeeping Heroics

The second half continued with both teams attacking but struggling defensively. Barcelona maintained control of possession, and had it not been for several world-class saves from Courtois, the scoreline could have been even more lopsided.

Still, Real found a late lifeline when Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute. Again, Vinícius played provider, breaking down the right before squaring to the French forward for a clinical finish.

Despite the late pressure, Barcelona held firm to secure their fourth straight win over Real Madrid across all competitions this season.

Title Within Reach, Pressure on Ancelotti

The result leaves Barcelona needing just one more win — or a Real Madrid slip-up — to seal the La Liga crown. Should Real fail to beat Mallorca on Wednesday, Barcelona could clinch the title the following day in the Catalan derby against Espanyol.

For the Catalans, the win was also a morale boost after their recent Champions League semifinal heartbreak against Inter Milan.

“Today’s win was everything,” said teenage star Yamal after the match. “We needed this after the disappointment in Europe. You learn through suffering, and today we showed strength.”

Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. Despite Mbappé’s brilliance, Sunday’s defeat leaves Madrid staring at a trophyless domestic season. Speculation is growing around the possible appointment of former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso, who recently confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.

Ancelotti, however, remained diplomatic in his post-match comments.

“It was a tight match — competitive to the end,” the Italian told reporters. “We could have equalised, and I can’t fault the players for their commitment. It simply didn’t fall our way tonight.”

Ancelotti also praised Alonso, suggesting he’s ready for the next step: “The doors are open. He’s shown he can manage at a high level.”

Looking Ahead

Barcelona now face Espanyol with the chance to mathematically confirm their La Liga triumph — a testament to the club’s resurgence under their current leadership and a young core of emerging stars.

As for Real Madrid, tough decisions lie ahead, both tactically and in terms of leadership, as the club grapples with another El Clásico defeat and growing uncertainty over the future of its bench.


By WafricNews Desk.