Immediate reaction: Real Madrid 3-2 Barcelona

The big question surrounding Barcelona’s starting XI before this match was whether Pedri would be included, but Xavi ultimately decided against it, as did Carlo Ancelotti with Ferland Mendy. The French defender did not train the day before the match, forcing Eduardo Camavinga to replace him. Carlo also opted to start Lucas Vazquez and Luka Modric, while Dani Carvajal and Nacho started the match on the bench.

Real Madrid got off to a very poor start with Lunin giving the ball to Raphinha early on, followed by an error from Vinicius earning Barcelona an early corner. Andreas Christensen scored from a poorly defended corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead inside the first five minutes of the match.

Real Madrid had a fantastic chance to level the score a few minutes later as Tchouameni and Modric created a great opportunity for Vinicius, but he missed from close range. However, the Brazilian made up for it by equalizing from the penalty spot in the 18th minute after Lucas Vazquez was brought down in the box by Pau Cubarsi. Barcelona almost regained the lead as Madrid’s poor defending against corners continued. Lunin had to deny Raphinha’s direct corner on the line to keep the scores tied.

Real Madrid dominated large phases of the second half early on, but their decision-making and finishing in the final third were not up to standard, failing to have any significant impact on the match.

Barcelona took the lead just before the 70th minute after Real Madrid’s defense fell asleep again and Fermin Lopez put the ball in the back of the net. The horror night for Lunin continued as his poor clearance put him straight at Fermin’s feet. Real Madrid, once again, did not take much time to equalize as Vinicius Jr found Lucas Vazquez entering with a brilliant assist and the Spaniard made no mistake. from close range to make the score 2-2.

Jude Bellingham had not scored in the league since February before this Clasico. In true Jude Bellingham fashion, he once again erased the heart of Barcelona to score his 17th goal of the season in La Liga, in stoppage time, just as he had done in Barcelona earlier in the season. Ter Stegan had no chance against the Englishman’s point-blank stab.

Real Madrid are 11 points ahead in La Liga with six games remaining.