La Liga: Barca Defeat Real Madrid In Comeback To Go 12-Point Clear

In a thrilling El Clasico match at the Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona secured a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid thanks to substitute Franck Kessie's goal. With this win, Barcelona has now extended their lead at the top of La Liga by 12 points.

Real Madrid took the lead early on in the ninth minute with an own goal, as Vinicius Junior's cross hit Ronald Araujo's head and flew past Andre Marc Ter Stegen. Sergio Roberto then equalized just before half-time, rebounding a ball to beat Thibaut Courtois and electrify the 95,745-strong crowd.

?️ Today's attendance at Spotify Camp Nou: 95,745!

Moltes gràcies, culers! ?❤️ #ElClásico pic.twitter.com/VuXkg9H3Tu

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 19, 2023

The second half saw both teams engage in a heated contest, with Raphinha causing problems on the right flank for Barcelona. However, he was unable to find the back of the net despite numerous shots on target. In response, Carlo Ancelotti brought on Aurélien Tchouaméni, Marco Asensio, and Dani Ceballos, but it was Asensio's goal that was disallowed by VAR for offside.

With the game still tied, Barcelona brought on Xavi Hernandez's trio of Ferran Torres, Kessie, and Ansu Fati in the final minutes. Kessie made the difference, scoring the winning goal after receiving a low cross from Alejandro Balde in the 92nd minute.

This victory puts Barcelona on track to claim their first La Liga title since 2019, while Real Madrid will be looking to keep pace as they focus on their upcoming Champions League fixture against Chelsea.

Xavi Ball wins yet another #ElClásico! pic.twitter.com/djw7rIJsh6

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 19, 2023

Despite being out of all European competitions, Barcelona has shown that they are still a force to be reckoned with in domestic competitions.