Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in the Clasico on Sunday, taking a significant step towards winning La Liga.
Midfielder Franck Kessie scored a late winner in the 92nd minute at Camp Nou, putting Xavi’s team 12 points ahead of Madrid, who thought they had won the game when Marco Asensio scored in the 81st minute, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Madrid had taken the lead early on when Ronald Araujo scored an own goal, but Sergi Roberto levelled for Barcelona just before halftime.
Despite Courtois making impressive saves to deny Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, Madrid were unable to increase their lead.
Araujo headed into his own net while trying to defend a cross from Vinicius Junior. Although Courtois kept Barca’s response at bay, they finally equalized just before halftime through Sergi Roberto.
After the break, Lewandowski attempted to score again, but his deflected shot went wide. Asensio thought he had given Madrid the lead once again, but VAR ruled it out for offside.
Kessie then scored a late winner, putting the ball into the bottom-right corner from Alejandro Balde’s low cross.
Barcelona now have a 12-point lead over Madrid with only 12 league games remaining, and they are getting closer to winning their first top-flight title since 2019.
Despite Courtois producing impressive saves, he was unable to prevent Kessie’s late winner, which has put Barcelona on the brink of winning the league.