Barcelona, May 12, 2025 – In one of the most thrilling El Clásico encounters in recent memory, Barcelona edged past fierce rivals Real Madrid 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller that puts them within touching distance of the La Liga title.
The high-octane clash, played at the iconic Camp Nou, was a rollercoaster of emotion, drama, and breathtaking football that lived up to the enormous hype surrounding the world’s most-watched club fixture.
Despite a spectacular hat-trick from Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, Barcelona showed resilience, tactical brilliance, and attacking flair to claim all three points. Goals from Raphinha (2), Eric Garcia, and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal ensured a memorable night for the Catalan giants and a heartbreaking one for their capital rivals.
Real Madrid struck early, capitalizing on a defensive error from Pau Cubarsi, which led to a penalty converted by Mbappe just five minutes in. The French forward then doubled Madrid’s lead in the 13th minute, seemingly putting Barcelona on the ropes. But Barca quickly responded through Eric Garcia’s header in the 19th minute, followed by a stunning left-footed strike from Yamal in the 32nd minute to level the match.
Just two minutes later, Pedri intercepted a misplaced pass in Madrid’s midfield and set up Raphinha, who made it 3-2 with a clinical finish. Though Real Madrid briefly threatened a comeback—with a controversial penalty call later overturned due to offside—Barcelona remained composed. Raphinha struck again just before halftime, intercepting a loose ball and finishing smartly after a quick one-two with Ferran Torres.
The second half saw Barcelona dominate possession, though Mbappe completed his hat-trick to make it 4-3 and keep Madrid hopes alive. Substitute Victor Munoz missed a late chance to equalize for Madrid, sealing the dramatic victory for Barcelona.
With the win, Barcelona now leads La Liga by seven points with only three matches remaining. A victory against Espanyol on Thursday could mathematically crown Barcelona as champions, capping off a remarkable season and leaving Madrid to reflect on what might have been.