Real Madrid Stages a Remarkable Comeback in the Clásico and Smells Like League Champions

Real Madrid clinched the victory at the Santiago Bernabéu thanks to a late goal by Bellingham. Ancelotti’s side now holds an 11-point lead over the Blaugrana with only 18 points left to play for.

Although somewhat anticipated, Ancelotti’s lineup against Barcelona was surprising. Mainly because it featured Kroos and Modric together from the start, something that hasn’t been common throughout the season, and because it saw Camavinga return to the left-back position, a role in which he’s not entirely comfortable. With the fatigue from Manchester still fresh in their minds (and legs), Madrid took a risk with an unfamiliar lineup to seal the league.

Poor Start with Lunin’s Error and an Own Goal The match didn’t start well for Madrid. Aside from the noticeable lack of concentration compared to their performance against City (with several noticeable passing errors in less than five minutes), a mistake by Lunin during a clearance proved costly for Ancelotti’s side. A corner swung to the far post evaded the white goalkeeper’s grasp, and Christensen capitalized on it, showing more determination than Kroos to poke it into the net.

Penalty for Lucas and Vinicius’ Goal Despite falling behind, and with an error of their own, Madrid seemed confident enough to level the score without losing their composure. Lucas Vázquez, making strides down the right flank, eluded Cancelo and was brought down by Cubarsí inside the box. The penalty was indisputable.

Vinicius stepped up to take the spot-kick. The Brazilian, who didn’t take a shot in Manchester last Wednesday after being substituted earlier, aimed towards Ter Stegen’s left-hand side and found the net without error. Although the German goalkeeper guessed the direction correctly, he was far from touching the ball.

Madrid had achieved their first objective, equalizing the match after a poor start. From then on, Ancelotti’s team gained more control, creating some clear chances, especially after winning the ball in the opposition’s half, but also showing a significant deficiency in defending set-pieces. Each corner against them felt like a dental appointment. In addition to the goal, a clearance off the line by Lunin after a deflection at the near post nearly caused trouble for the Whites.

The second half began with some chaos in the match. Madrid displayed signs of fatigue in some of their players and appeared content with the draw, with the visitors needing to take risks if they wanted to get back into the league title race.

Defensive Mix-up and an Own Goal The match entered a period of stalemate, during which it was evident that Madrid needed some changes. Ancelotti chose to hold on, and at that moment, it backfired. A defensive mix-up from the Whites, with a somewhat forced clearance by Lunin, left Fermín unmarked to tap the ball into the net.

Lucas Equalizes With the score at 1-2, Ancelotti decided to shake things up. He brought on Brahim and Fran García. Camavinga, who was on a yellow card and threatened by Yamal, made way. The good news for the Whites was that Ancelotti’s tinkering paid off. Vinicius, despite some misses in the final touches, proved decisive, providing a superb assist to Lucas Vázquez at the far post, who appeared unexpectedly to level the score.

Bellingham’s Stunning Goal With the score at 2-2, everything reset, with just over 20 minutes remaining. However, the presence of Brahim gave Madrid an extra edge in unleashing counterattacks to further unsettle Barcelona. A dribble through the center by the Moroccan, leaving players in his wake, culminated in a pass to Lucas, another key player of the match, who delivered a parallel cross to Bellingham, and the Englishman hammered it into the net with a stunning goal into the top corner. The Bernabéu erupted; it was a goal that virtually seals the league title for Ancelotti’s team. With 18 points left to play for, Madrid holds an 11-point advantage over their rivals. Madrid already smells like champions.

Match Details

Real Madrid 3: Lunin, Lucas, Tchouameni, Rudiger, Camavinga (Fran García 70′), Kroos (Brahim 70′), Modric, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo (Militao 73′), and Vinicius (Joselu 81′)

Barcelona 2: Ter Stegen, Kounde, Araujo, Christensen (Fermín 46′), Cubarsí, Cancelo, Gundogan, De Jong (Pedri 45′), Yamal, Lewandowski (Ferrán Torres 63′), and Raphinha (Joao Félix 63′)

Goals: 0-1 Christensen (5′), 1-1 Vinicius (p. 17′), 1-2 Fermín (62′), 2-2 Lucas (73′), 3-2 Bellingham (88′)

Referee: Soto Grado. Booked: Camavinga, Modric, Cubarsí

Stadium: Santiago Bernabéu.