Arda Guler attacking midfield of Real Madrid and Türkiye in action during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (AA Photo)
May 11, 2025 09:30 PM GMT+03:00
Barcelona’s 4-3 triumph over arch-rivals Real Madrid in Matchday 35 of La Liga has brought them within touching distance of the league title, as Turkish international Arda Guler started in the Madrid lineup.
Played at Montjuic Olympic Stadium, the thrilling encounter saw momentum shift multiple times, delivering a spectacle worthy of Spain’s top rivalry.
With just three matches remaining in the season, Barcelona has moved to 82 points, extending its lead over second-placed Real Madrid to seven.
Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France dejected after losing the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (AA Photo)
The Catalan club will be crowned La Liga champions if they secure at least one point in their upcoming away match against Espanyol on Thursday, May 15.
Mbappe opens strong, but Barcelona responds with flurry of goals
Real Madrid made an assertive start to the match. In the 5th minute, Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty to give his side the lead. Mbappe struck again in the 14th minute, this time following a quick counterattack, with a precise finish from inside the penalty area that doubled Madrid’s advantage.
Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France and Hector Fort right-back of Barcelona and Spain compete for the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on May 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (AA Photo)
Barcelona, however, refused to concede momentum. Eric Garcia scored in the 19th minute to bring the score to 2-1, and Lamine Yamal leveled the match in the 32nd. Just two minutes later, Raphinha completed the comeback with a goal that made it 3-2.
Hat-trick from Mbappe not enough to deny Barcelona
Barcelona’s attacking pressure continued through the remainder of the half. In the 45th minute, Raphinha found the net again after intercepting a defensive error and combining with Ferran Torres before finishing calmly to make it 4-2. Arda Guler, who was handed a starting role by Real Madrid, was substituted at halftime and replaced by Brahim Diaz.
In the second half, Real Madrid pressed hard to shift the momentum, and Kylian Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute, reducing the deficit to 4-3. Despite the late push from Madrid, Barcelona successfully managed the closing stages to secure all three points, taking a major step toward reclaiming the La Liga title.
May 11, 2025 09:30 PM GMT+03:00
