Barcelona completed a 2-1 comeback to defeat Real Madrid at home for the first time under Xavi Hernandez. Prior to this match, all of the Spaniard’s wins have been away from home. And with the El Clasico win, their lead has been extended to 12 points.
With only 12 games remaining in the La Liga, it is unlikely that Real Madrid will be able to catch up given the form that Barcelona have shown this season. Unless there is a catastrophic drop in form, which seems highly unlikely, Barca might just have won the title against their biggest rivals.
Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 2-1 in Xavi’s first home El Clasico
An own goal from Ronald Araujo gave the visitors the lead within the first ten minutes. But, Sergi Roberto was able to equalise right before halftime. The midfielder scored from close range after Raphinha’s shot was blocked by Antonio Rudiger. The ball fell to him, and he scored at the near post to send the two teams into the tunnel level.
It was a frustrating first half for Xavi, due to the nature of their own goal and the fact that they weren’t getting a lot of 50-50 decisions. Real Madrid, on the other hand, failed to be productive against Barcelona once again.
Real Madrid thought they had the lead when Marco Asensio turned the ball into the back of the net. But the goal was ruled out for a tight offside to give the hosts a lifeline.
Franck Kessie won the game for the Culers in stoppage time, converting after an intelligent back heel from Robert Lewandowski, setting up Alejandro Balde for the assist.
