MADRID: Jude Bellingham scored an injury-time winner and lifted Real Madrid to edge arch-rivals Barcelona 3-2 in an enthralling La Liga El Clasico at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium here on Sunday.
The highly-anticipated clash got off to a contrasting start as Andres Christensen opened the scoring for Barcelona just six minutes into the game.
Christensen scored a header from Raphinha’s corner after Andriy Lunin failed to clear the ball from his six-yard box.
Vinicius Jr then made no mistake in capitalizing on the opportunity and fired the ball into the net to equalize with his 13th goal of the ongoing La Liga season.
The scoreline remained intact at 1-1 till the half-time.
However, the second half of the El Clasico saw the drama unfold when Lamine Yamal struck towards the goal and goalkeeper Lunin, who was behind the line, pushed it away midair.
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The visitors were convinced that the ball had crossed the line but the unavailability of the goalline technology in La Liga, resulted in the video assistant referee ruling out their appeal.
Fermin Lopez then scored a close-range goal in the 69th minute to ignite a tight second half after Lunin deflected a cross into his path.
However, Real Madrid again scored the equalizer when Vazquez emerged unmarked at the far post to convert a cross from Vinicius, just four minutes later.
The two arch-rivals remained inseparable till regulation time but Real Madrid’s quest for the match-winner was fulfilled one minute into the injury time when Vazquez sprinted down the right channel to feed Jude Bellingham, who successfully converted it to send the home crowd into jubilation.
The thrilling victory meant Real Madrid solidified their lead at the La Liga summit as they moved 11 points clear of Barcelona with just six matches left.
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