Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-2 to move 11 points clear at the top of the La Liga standings after an exciting El Clasico matchup. The victory puts Real in complete control of the league, putting them on track to defend their title with only 6 games left in the season.
The win extends Real Madrid’s undefeated record across all competitions to 28 matches. This includes 22 wins and 6 draws, with their last loss coming at home coming against Villarreal on 8 April 2023.
The match started off in Barcelona’s favour with an early Christensen goal, rising above Toni Kroos to head Raphinha’s corner just six minutes in. The lead didn’t last long however, as Real was awarded a penalty when Pau Carbasi fouled Vazquez in the box. Vinicius took full advantage of the opportunity to level out the game.
Despite a number of other close calls, the match went into the halftime break tied 1-1. Lamine Yamal thought he had broken the deadlock when he chipped a corner towards goal and goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was behind the line when keeping it out.
Although Barcelona were adamant the ball had crossed the line without the use of goal line technology, the video assistant ruled in favour of Real.
Barcelona did finally push ahead though via a 69th minute effort from Fermin Lopez, pushing one in from close range. Real once again didn’t allow the lead to stand for long, as four minutes later Vasquez crept in to drill a Vinicius cross in to equalize.
It was then time for Bellingham to play hero as he crushed a ball into the back of the net as the match went into extra time.
The last gasp winner made Bellingham the first Real player to score in their first two El Clasico’s since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2007. He is now the second highest scorer in the division with 17 goals, just one behind Artem Dovbyk from Girona.
Next up for Real Madrid will be against 6th placed Real Sociedad on Friday night. Given their current form, Real will be heavy favourites to keep their unbeaten streak going and extend their lead at the top.
Barcelona will play Valencia next Monday, looking to hold off Gorina who are just two points behind in the third place. The chances of running down Real seem very bleak with only 6 games left in the season.
Liverpool Outlast Fulham 3-1
Liverpool were able to overcome Fulham 3-1 on Sunday night to keep their hopes of winning the EPL alive. They are now tied with Arsenal at the top of the table but have played one game more than Man City who are just one point behind.
Trent Alexander-Arnold opened up the scoring for Liverpool with a brilliant free-kick which calmed the nerves of his teammates. The Reds had been consistently falling behind at the start of games and playing from behind.
When Fulham replied via Timothy Castangne just before the half, it didn’t seem as ominous as it had felt for Liverpool in the past. The team calmly came back on the field in the second half and executed their offense crisply to win rather easily in the end. First through a Ryan Gravenberch goal in the 53rd minute and then via Diego Jota in the 73rd.
The win was a big step in Liverpool’s attempt to dethrone Man City at the top. City still hold the pole position however with their fate in their own hands. If they can manage to win out the season they will retain the title.
Liverpool have a critical match against Everton next on Wednesday which could be crucial in their chances for the championship. Everton won their last game against Nottingham Forest earlier on Sunday and will be looking to avoid the bottom relegation teams.
