Barcelona ‘wrap up title’ with incredible last-gasp Real Madrid winner

Franck Kessie struck a stoppage-time winner for Barcelona in El Clasico as Xavi’s spirited side went 12 points clear at the top of La Liga. The Catalan giants have now all but sealed the title with 12 matches left to play barring a dramatic swing of the pendulum as they demonstrated admirable character to come from behind to snatch all three points at the death.

Real Madrid were ahead in the first half when the electric Vinicius Jr’s ball across goal was deflected in off helpless Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.

But Barcelona responded well and got their reward before half-time when Sergi Roberto levelled things up for the hosts, ensuring they went in at the break level.

Yet it was the visitors who thought they had restored their lead just nine minutes from time when Marco Asensio looked to have won Real Madrid all three points.

The Spaniard finished brilliantly following good work from Rodrygo and Dani Carvajal but unfortunately for Los Blancos, VAR would deny them the goal as it was ruled out for offside meaning the scores remained level.

Carlo Ancelotti, who is under increasing pressure at the Bernabeu despite his side’s Champions League triumph over Liverpool, knew his team had to win this contest in order to keep their slim chances of retaining the title alive.

However, Real Madrid were dealt a hammer blow in added time as former AC Milan midfielder Kessie finished off a remarkably-ruthless team move to send the Camp Nou into ecstasy.

Robert Lewandowski showcased his class with a sublime back heel to Alejandro Blade, who fired the ball across the face of goal for Kessie to steer home.

Barcelona’s players were utterly jubilant following the goal and you could see exactly how much it meant to the team as they celebrated passionately with their supporters.

For Real Madrid, this was another growing indication that the club are in need of some fresh faces next summer, when Los Blancos are expected to launch a transfer swoop for Jude Bellingham amongst others.

Karim Benzema stalled in attack and was off the pace just days after scoring the winner in the 1-0 Champions League victory over Liverpool.

It was another tough night for Carvajal at right-back too as Barcelona continually looked to exploit him via the overlaps of Balde.

There was also some highly-anticipated needle at the death when Ansu Fati flew in on Dani Ceballos before both sets of players came to blows.

Xavi was delighted with his side’s performance, telling reporters: “In general we have been superior to Real Madrid, in intensity at times but we had to score that second goal to get the 3 points.”

Ancelotti was not in agreement though, stating after the game: “We deserved to win today.”

When asked if Barcelona were lucky with the offside call, Frenkie de Jong said with a smile: “An offside is an offside.”

Barcelona will now be keen to seal the title as soon as possible although they still have some tough fixtures to navigate including a home clash against Atletico Madrid.