By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Barcelona emerged victorious in a pulsating seven-goal El Clasico, defeating Real Madrid 4-3 in a match filled with drama, controversy, and attacking brilliance at the Nou Camp on Sunday.
The clash exploded into life just five minutes in when Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty to give Real Madrid an early lead after Wojciech Szczesny was judged, following a VAR review, to have fouled a Madrid attacker.
The French star doubled the lead nine minutes later with a thunderous strike after being teed up by Vinicius Junior.
Barcelona hit back quickly through Eric Garcia’s powerful header from a corner in the 19th minute, sparking a spirited comeback.
Lamine Yamal levelled with a precise finish from the edge of the area, before Raphinha sent the home crowd into raptures with a long-range strike to make it 3-2.
Madrid thought they had a chance to equalise via another penalty following a challenge by Frenkie de Jong, but VAR overturned the referee’s decision.
Raphinha added his second of the night shortly before halftime, tapping home Ferran Torres’ cross to give Barcelona a 4-2 cushion.
Although a potential fifth goal by Lamine Yamal was ruled offside early in the second half, Real Madrid stayed in the contest.
Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute after a neat assist from Vinicius, reducing the deficit to 4-3.
Barcelona were denied a penalty after a suspected handball by Tchouameni, with VAR once again upholding the on-field call.
Deep into stoppage time Fermin Lopez weaved past the Madrid defence and rifled home a spectacular fifth for Barcelona. A late VAR check confirmed there was handball in the build-up and the goal did not stand.
