Could Mbappe's Hat-Trick Save Real Madrid from Another El Clasico Defeat?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick but it was not enough.
- Barcelona secured a crucial win in the La Liga race.
- Real Madrid suffered their fourth loss in El Clasico this season.
- Barcelona needs just one more win to clinch the league title.
- The match showcased intense rivalry and competitive spirit.
Barcelona, May 11 (NationPress) Real Madrid faced yet another setback against their arch-rivals FC Barcelona, marking their fourth defeat in this season's El Clasico with a score of 3-5 at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Despite a remarkable hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe, the Catalan side claimed the bragging rights on Sunday.
Goals from Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal, and a brace from Raphinha allowed the home team to rally back after trailing by two goals within the first 15 minutes due to Mbappe's early brilliance.
This win propelled Barcelona seven points ahead of Real Madrid in the La Liga standings, putting them just one victory away from securing their 28th league title with three matches left to play.
Mbappe was on fire right from the start, converting a penalty after being fouled by goalie Wojciech Szczesny in the 5th minute. He quickly added another goal just nine minutes later, thanks to an assist from Vinicius Jr, marking his 38th goal of the season, surpassing Chilean striker Ivan Zamorano, who previously held the record for most goals in a debut season for Real Madrid.
However, the visitors soon experienced a shock as Ferran Torres initiated a comeback for Barcelona with a header from a corner in the 19th minute.
With the floodgates open, Barca relentlessly pursued the equalizer. Yamal continued his stellar season with a low shot that left Courtois unable to react in time.
Just two minutes later, Raphinha scored his first goal of the day, expertly set up by midfielder Pedri. Raphinha then struck again just before halftime.
Ultimately, Real Madrid could not recover from the deficit, concluding their 2024-25 campaign winless against FC Barcelona after suffering defeats of 0-4 at the Bernabeu, 2-5 in the Spanish Super Cup Final in Riyadh, and 2-3 at La Cartuja in the Copa del Rey Final.