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Soccer – LaLiga – FC Barcelona v Real Madrid – Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain – March 19, 2023 FC Barcelona fans celebrate with players after Franck Kessie scored the second goal REUTERS/Nacho Doce
BARCELONA-LaLiga leaders Barcelona’s pursuit of a 27th Spanish title gained momentum after substitute Franck Kessie scored a stunning extra-time goal to secure a 2-1 comeback win over Real Madrid on Sunday.
Barca took a big step towards winning their first league title in four years by beating the champions for the third time in a row. The result leaves Real 12 points adrift of the leaders.
Rocked by almost 100,000 fans at a sold-out Camp Nou, Barca were the better team and earned a deserved win against a Real Madrid side that at times looked resigned to their fate.
“We have to be honest… We never give up, but we are four games behind. Nothing is impossible, but it is actually very difficult (to win the title),” Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois told Movistar Plus.
It was an electrifying game from the start with Barcelona pressing high and they almost scored in the sixth minute with a point-blank header by Raphinha that Courtois brilliantly stopped with a reflex save using his right fist.
From the rebound, Sergi Roberto fired inches fierce shot over the bar.
But it was Real who took the early lead four minutes after Vinicius Jr’s cross deflected off defender Ronald Araujo and into his own goal.
But Barcelona quickly regrouped and took control of the game.
Andreas Christiansen scored twice from two corners and Raphinha, arguably Barcelona’s most dangerous player,
Real seemed content to sit in the lead but the strategy backfired. On the half hour mark, their defense failed to clear the ball from the box and Sergi Roberto was quick to launch an unstoppable attack down the left flank.
Barcelona did not take the gas after the break and created few chances but it was Real substitute Marco Asensio who scored the goal that changed the script in the 81st minute.
However, his close-range effort was ruled out by VAR after replays showed he was offside.
Barca continued to press for the win and finally got it in extra time when Alejandro Balde raced down the left and crossed to an unmarked Kessie at the far post. He unleashed an unstoppable first touch attack to give Barca the win of the season.
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