FC Barcelona 4-3 Real Madrid: A Thrilling El Clásico That Defined the 2024/25 LaLiga Season
*By Kishan Baraiya, Published on [kishanbaraiya.com](https://kishanbaraiya.com)*
*Date: May 12, 2025*
The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys was electric on May 11, 2025, as FC Barcelona clinched a pulsating 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in what will go down as one of the most unforgettable El Clásico matches in recent memory. This seven-goal thriller, part of LaLiga EA Sports’ 35th matchday, wasn’t just a football match—it was a spectacle of drama, skill, and resilience that brought Barcelona within touching distance of their 28th LaLiga title. With highlights that could fill a highlight reel for years to come, this clash showcased why El Clásico remains the pinnacle of club football. Let’s dive into the match, its key moments, tactical battles, standout performances, and its monumental impact on the 2024/25 LaLiga season.
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## The Stage Was Set: A Title-Defining Clash
Coming into the match, Barcelona held a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the LaLiga table, with 79 points to Madrid’s 75. With only four games remaining in the season, this was a make-or-break moment for both sides. A Barcelona victory would stretch their lead to seven points, all but sealing the title, while a Real Madrid win would cut the gap to just one point, reigniting the race for the championship. The stakes couldn’t have been higher.
This wasn’t the first El Clásico of the season, and Barcelona had already asserted dominance over their rivals. They routed Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu in October 2024, won 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final in January 2025, and secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in the Copa del Rey final in April 2025. Real Madrid, under pressure to avoid a fourth straight Clásico defeat, were desperate to turn the tide. However, injuries plagued their squad, with key players like Thibaut Courtois (thigh), Rodrygo (hamstring), and defenders Dani Carvajal, Eder Militão, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy sidelined. Barcelona, meanwhile, were coming off a draining Champions League semi-final loss to Inter Milan but fielded an unchanged lineup, signaling confidence in their squad.
The match was played at Montjuïc’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona’s temporary home while the Spotify Camp Nou undergoes redevelopment. The atmosphere was charged, with celebrity fans like Travis Scott—whose Cactus Jack logo adorned Barcelona’s special jerseys—Thierry Henry, and Terry Crews in attendance. The stage was set for a classic, and the players delivered in spades.
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## First Half: A Rollercoaster of Goals and Momentum Shifts
The match exploded into life from the first whistle, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess. Here’s how the first half unfolded:
### 3rd Minute: Mbappé’s Penalty Gives Madrid the Lead (0-1)
Real Madrid struck first, capitalizing on an early Barcelona mistake. Young defender Pau Cubarsí was caught in possession, allowing Kylian Mbappé to race through. Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny clipped Mbappé in the box, conceding a penalty. After a VAR check confirmed no offside, Mbappé coolly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending Szczęsny the wrong way. It was his 25th goal of the season, and Real Madrid were 1-0 up within five minutes.[](https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-updates-el-clasico-video-highlights)
### 14th Minute: Mbappé Doubles Madrid’s Lead (0-2)
Madrid’s counter-attacking prowess was on full display as they hit Barcelona again. Vinícius Júnior delivered a sublime outside-the-foot pass to Mbappé, who outpaced Cubarsí and fired past Szczęsny. The goal survived a VAR review for a potential foul on Lamine Yamal in the build-up, and Madrid were 2-0 up inside 15 minutes. Barcelona’s early lethargy, perhaps a hangover from their midweek Champions League exertions, was evident.[](https://sports.ndtv.com/football/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-la-liga-2024-25-el-clasico-live-scorecard-football-match-updates-lamine-yamal-kylian-mbappe-8386986)
### 19th Minute: Eric García Pulls One Back (1-2)
Barcelona responded with relentless pressure, earning multiple corners. On their third corner in quick succession, Raphinha’s delivery was flicked on by Ferran Torres, and Eric García rose to head home from close range. It was Barcelona’s eighth headed goal of the season and a lifeline for the Catalans. The momentum began to shift as the home crowd roared their team back into the game.[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-football-score-la-liga-2024-25-el-clasico-live-streaming-online/liveblog/121079868.cms)
### 32nd Minute: Lamine Yamal’s Stunner Equalizes (2-2)
The 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal announced himself with a moment of pure brilliance. Receiving the ball on the right, he cut inside and curled a sumptuous strike into the bottom corner of Andriy Lunin’s goal (Courtois was injured). The Estadi Olímpic erupted, and Yamal’s joyful swagger was a testament to his growing stature. Barcelona were level, and the game was now a full-blown contest.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-updates-el-clasico-score-result/m4HTiyf2V43G/)
### 34th Minute: Raphinha Puts Barcelona Ahead (3-2)
Just two minutes later, Barcelona completed the turnaround. A collision between Mbappé and Dani Ceballos gifted possession to Pedri, who fed Raphinha on the left. The Brazilian drilled a precise shot past Lunin, sparking wild celebrations. Raphinha’s goal was a reward for Barcelona’s high pressing and intricate passing, which had overwhelmed Madrid’s makeshift defense.[](https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-updates-el-clasico-video-highlights)
### 45th Minute: Raphinha’s Brace Extends the Lead (4-2)
Barcelona saved the best for last in the first half. Lucas Vázquez’s costly error allowed Raphinha to steal possession, and Ferran Torres’ cut-back found the Brazilian, who converted clinically. Raphinha’s second goal gave Barcelona a 4-2 lead at the break, capping a 25-minute blitz that saw them score four goals. Madrid’s early dominance had been obliterated by Barcelona’s relentless attacking play.[](https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/705002)
The first half was a microcosm of both teams’ seasons: Real Madrid’s moments of brilliance marred by defensive frailties, and Barcelona’s ability to seize control through their attacking trio of Yamal, Raphinha, and Torres. Barcelona dominated possession (63%) and had 11 shots to Madrid’s two, showcasing their superiority.[](https://sports.ndtv.com/football/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-la-liga-2024-25-el-clasico-live-scorecard-football-match-updates-lamine-yamal-kylian-mbappe-8386986)
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## Second Half: Madrid Fight Back, But Barcelona Hold Firm
The second half was less frenetic but no less dramatic, with Real Madrid refusing to go quietly.
### 70th Minute: Mbappé Completes His Hat-Trick (4-3)
Real Madrid pulled one back through their star man, Kylian Mbappé. Vinícius Júnior led a rapid counter-attack, sprinting down the right and squaring the ball to Mbappé, who tapped in for his 27th goal of the season and his first El Clásico hat-trick. With 20 minutes remaining, the score was 4-3, and the tension was palpable. Mbappé’s 39 goals in all competitions set a new record for a Real Madrid player in their debut season, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c62x2g9d9dgt)
### Key Moments and Controversies
– **Disallowed Penalty (43rd Minute):** Madrid thought they had a chance to equalize just before halftime when Mbappé went down under a challenge from Frenkie de Jong. Referee Alejandro Hernández Hernández pointed to the spot, but VAR overturned the decision due to an offside by Jude Bellingham in the build-up. Slow-motion replays suggested Mbappé may have exaggerated contact, adding to the controversy.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-updates-el-clasico-score-result/m4HTiyf2V43G/)
– **Disallowed Goal (Late Second Half):** Fermín López thought he had sealed the game for Barcelona with a fine individual goal, but VAR ruled it out for a handball in the build-up. The decision spared Madrid further embarrassment but didn’t change the outcome.[](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/la-liga/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-highlights-la-liga-title-race-el-clasico-updates-bar-v-rma/article69564037.ece)
– **Courtois’ Heroics:** Despite the loss, Andriy Lunin (standing in for Courtois) made several stunning saves to keep Madrid in the game. Barcelona’s dominance in the second half was thwarted by Lunin’s inspired performance, preventing a more emphatic scoreline.[](https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/705002)
Barcelona made substitutions to shore up their defense, with Alejandro Balde and Andreas Christensen replacing Gerard Martín and Pau Cubarsí. Real Madrid brought on Endrick for Lucas Vázquez, but their attacking changes couldn’t break through Barcelona’s resolute backline. The final whistle confirmed Barcelona’s 4-3 victory, leaving them seven points clear with three games to go.[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c62x2g9d9dgt)
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## Tactical Breakdown: Barcelona’s Press vs. Madrid’s Counter
The match was a tactical chess match between Hansi Flick and Carlo Ancelotti, with contrasting styles on display.
### Barcelona’s High Press and Attacking Fluidity
Under Flick, Barcelona have been a revelation in the 2024/25 season, blending high pressing with intricate passing. Against Madrid, their front three of Yamal, Raphinha, and Torres relentlessly pressed Madrid’s depleted defense, forcing errors like Vázquez’s mistake for the fourth goal. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong controlled the midfield, with Pedri’s assist for Raphinha’s third goal highlighting his playmaking ability. Barcelona’s 63% possession and 11 shots in the first half underscored their dominance.[](https://sports.ndtv.com/football/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-la-liga-2024-25-el-clasico-live-scorecard-football-match-updates-lamine-yamal-kylian-mbappe-8386986)
Flick’s decision to name an unchanged lineup despite the midweek Champions League loss was a bold move, but it paid off. The team’s cohesion and energy overwhelmed Madrid, particularly in the 25-minute spell that saw them score four goals. Eric García’s goal from a set-piece also highlighted Barcelona’s improved efficiency from corners, a focus area under Flick.[](https://as.com/futbol/primera/barcelona-real-madrid-en-directo-ultima-hora-del-clasico-de-laliga-ea-sports-hoy-en-vivo-n/)
### Real Madrid’s Counter-Attacking Threat
Ancelotti opted for a situational back five to counter Barcelona’s attacking threat, with Federico Valverde man-marking Dani Olmo or Raphinha. The strategy worked early, as Madrid exploited Barcelona’s high line with Mbappé’s pace, leading to the first two goals. However, their defensive frailties were exposed as Barcelona’s pressing disrupted their shape. The absence of key defenders left Madrid vulnerable, and errors from Vázquez and Ceballos gifted Barcelona their goals.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-updates-el-clasico-score-result/m4HTiyf2V43G/)
Mbappé’s hat-trick and Vinícius’ assist were bright spots, but Madrid’s inability to sustain pressure after their early lead cost them. Ancelotti’s attacking substitutions, including Endrick, failed to change the game’s flow, and Madrid’s 37% possession reflected their struggles to control the match.[](https://sports.ndtv.com/football/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-la-liga-2024-25-el-clasico-live-scorecard-football-match-updates-lamine-yamal-kylian-mbappe-8386986)
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## Standout Performers
### Barcelona
– **Raphinha (9/10):** The Brazilian was the star of the show, scoring twice and terrorizing Madrid’s defense with his pace and directness. His leadership as captain and ability to capitalize on mistakes made him the match’s defining figure.[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-football-score-la-liga-2024-25-el-clasico-live-streaming-online/liveblog/121079868.cms)
– **Lamine Yamal (8.5/10):** The 17-year-old’s golazo and constant threat on the right wing underscored his status as a generational talent. His manager, Hansi Flick, praised his maturity, saying, “He is not a kid… he is doing good.”[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-updates-el-clasico-score-result/m4HTiyf2V43G/)
– **Pedri (8/10):** The midfielder’s assist and control in the middle were crucial to Barcelona’s comeback. His vision and composure under pressure were exemplary.
### Real Madrid
– **Kylian Mbappé (8.5/10):** Despite the loss, Mbappé’s hat-trick was a reminder of his world-class ability. His pace and finishing kept Madrid in the game, though he couldn’t prevent the defeat.[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c62x2g9d9dgt)
– **Vinícius Júnior (7.5/10):** The Brazilian’s assist for Mbappé’s second and third goals showcased his playmaking, but he was quieter in the second half.[](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/la-liga/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-highlights-la-liga-title-race-el-clasico-updates-bar-v-rma/article69564037.ece)
– **Andriy Lunin (7/10):** Stepping in for Courtois, Lunin made several key saves to keep the scoreline respectable.[](https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/705002)
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## The Aftermath: Barcelona on the Brink of Glory
The 4-3 victory gave Barcelona a seven-point lead over Real Madrid with only three games remaining, putting them on the verge of their 28th LaLiga title. One more win will clinch the championship, and their dominant record against Madrid this season—four wins in four Clásicos—has all but ended Madrid’s title hopes.[](https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/la-liga/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-score-highlights-la-liga-title-race-el-clasico-updates-bar-v-rma/article69564037.ece)
Hansi Flick remained cautious post-match, saying, “It’s football, we don’t know what will happen, but we are in a good position. We need three more points and we want to make them as soon as possible.” Lamine Yamal echoed the sentiment, expressing delight at playing in front of the Montjuïc fans and focusing on the title: “We suffered sometimes, but we had really clear opportunities to increase our lead.”[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c62x2g9d9dgt)
For Real Madrid, the defeat was a bitter pill. Carlo Ancelotti admitted defensive lapses cost his team, saying, “We attacked well, but in those 30 minutes, we made some quite obvious mistakes.” With injuries piling up and no silverware in sight this season, questions loom over Ancelotti’s future, especially with speculation about a move to coach Brazil.[](https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/705002)
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## Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
The match set social media alight, with fans and pundits dissecting every moment. On X, @cloudninesports captured the drama: “Barca move SEVEN points clear at the TOP of LALIGA after coming back from two goals down. Mbappe Hat-Trick Not Enough.” @CrazyClownytr celebrated Barcelona’s stars, tweeting, “FLICK BALL COOKED ✅ Raphinha brace ✅ Lamine golazo ✅ ONE HAND ON THE LALIGA TITLE 🏆.” Meanwhile, @urkg07 summed up the rivalry: “Madrid just can’t handle us this season 😤.”
Fans on X also praised the match’s entertainment value, with @JamesGrabban calling it “a game” and sharing highlight links. The presence of Travis Scott and his Cactus Jack logo on Barcelona’s jerseys added a cultural flair, with cameras catching the rapper celebrating wildly in the stands.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-updates-el-clasico-score-result/m4HTiyf2V43G/)
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## Historical Context and Rivalry Stats
This victory marked Barcelona’s fourth consecutive win over Real Madrid in all competitions this season, a feat that underscores their dominance under Flick. Historically, El Clásico has been closely contested, with Real Madrid leading 103-100 in competitive meetings before this match. Barcelona’s recent run, however, has tilted the balance in their favor.[](https://en.as.com/soccer/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-online-el-clasico-score-stats-and-updates-laliga-ea-sports-2023-24-n/)
The match also added to the storied goal-scoring record between the two sides. Before the game, both teams had scored 299 goals in LaLiga Clásicos, and this seven-goal thriller pushed the tally further, with Barcelona’s four goals giving them a slight edge in the race to 300.[](https://en.as.com/soccer/barcelona-vs-real-madrid-live-online-el-clasico-score-stats-and-updates-laliga-ea-sports-2023-24-n/)
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## Looking Ahead: The Road to the Title
Barcelona’s remaining fixtures against lower-table teams give them a clear path to the title. A win in their next match could mathematically secure the championship, capping a remarkable season under Flick. The German manager has transformed Barcelona into a cohesive, attacking unit, with Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski (absent in this match but a key figure all season) leading the charge.[](https://www.laliga.com/en-US/news/the-highlights-of-laliga-ea-sports-in-2024)
For Real Madrid, the focus shifts to rebuilding for next season. Mbappé’s integration has been a success, but defensive reinforcements and a rethink of Ancelotti’s tactics are needed to challenge Barcelona’s supremacy. The 2025/26 season promises another chapter in this storied rivalry, with both teams likely to strengthen in the transfer market.[](https://www.espn.com/soccer/report/_/gameId/705002)
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## Conclusion: A Clásico for the Ages
The 4-3 thriller on May 11, 2025, was more than just a football match—it was a testament to the enduring magic of El Clásico. From Mbappé’s early heroics to Barcelona’s stunning comeback, led by Raphinha and Yamal, the game encapsulated the passion, drama, and quality that define this rivalry. Barcelona’s victory has all but secured the LaLiga title, but the memories of this match will linger long after the trophy is lifted.
For fans, this was a reminder of why we love football. For Barcelona, it was a statement of intent under Hansi Flick. And for Real Madrid, it was a painful lesson in resilience and defensive discipline. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this El Clásico will be talked about for years to come.
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