With a comeback in El Clásico, Real Madrid once more gave their supporters an evening to remember at Santiago Bernabéu. Ancelotti’s team once again relied on their genetic makeup to win a game in which they had fallen behind twice after making it to the semi-finals in Manchester. Our team’s victory was ensured by goals from Vini Jr., Lucas Vázquez, and Bellingham in the 91st minute. With six La Liga games remaining, our lead over the blaugranas increased to 11 points.
Early on, Christensen headed into Rapinha’s corner (6′) to give Barcelona the lead. Madrid responded quickly, almost tying the score two minutes later. Tchouameni lofted a pass into the box, Vini Jr.’s right-footed attempt missed the mark, and Modrić’s header went wide. Not long after, the Brazilian offered another opportunity. This time, it came from a header that was deflected off of a Kroos free kick.
Madrid found the equalizer they were looking for in the eighteenth minute. After driving to the byline, Lucas Vázquez dribbled by Cancelo and was tackled by Cubarsí. Vini Jr. then converted the penalty to tie the score at one. From a different corner, the Catalans answered once more (28′). Following a review, the VAR determined that the ball had not crossed the goal line despite Lamine Yamal whipping in an outswinging corner and Lunin clearing it off the line. After some excellent link-up play on the edge of the area between Rodrygo, Bellingham, and Valverde, Modrić had the final opportunity in the first half. Ter Stegen stopped the Croatian’s attempt from inside the box.
There was little change in the proceedings during the second half, and the blows continued after the interval. After Bellingham attempted to take advantage of a left-footed effort from just inside the box, the keeper kept it out (50 minutes) after Lamine Yamal curled a shot that Lunin easily handled. Five minutes later, Vini Jr. dashed into the area but missed the goal after the Englishman slipped a fantastic through pass into his path. Subsequently, against the flow of play, Fermín scored in the 69th minute by taking advantage of a parry made by Lunin inside the area.
Madrid equalized after just four minutes, demonstrating their lack of patience. Starting from midfield, Valverde sent the ball to Vini Jr., who went to the far post. Arriving on the run, Lucas Vázquez scored with his right foot to tie the score at 2-2. After missing a goal in the 78th minute, the Brazilian found himself in the spotlight once more. With a deft play out of the back, Lunin beat Pedri on the run and moved in front of Ter Stegen, who made a one-on-one save to deny the goal. But as usual, Real Madrid showed bravery, and Bellingham’s header at the far post from a superb cross from Lucas Vázquez in the 91st minute completed the victory. Our group gets one step closer to winning the league.
