It’s not final, but it’s a significant step, Xavi told reporters. We are twelve points clear at the top of La Liga, and we are having an extraordinary league campaign, which makes me very happy and proud to watch the team play.
Barcelona’s corruption charge in the Caso Negreira refereeing scandal overshadowed the build-up to the match. Last week, Madrid joined the Spanish prosecutors’ complaint against Barcelona, and their president Florentino Perez snubbed the game for the first time in more than 20 years, amid rising tensions between the two Spanish giants.
That increased the intensity of the game, both on and off the field, in Xavi’s sixth Clasico as Barcelona coach, but only his first at Camp Nou. Xavi challenged fans to turn the stadium into a pressure cooker, and they delivered, selling out, whistling Madrid in possession, and creating one of the best atmospheres of the season.
However, due to unfortunate circumstances, they fell behind. Ter Stegen was helpless as Araujo deflected Vinicius’ cross in at the near post. Araujo, who was playing at right-back to counteract the Brazilian, has previously enjoyed duels with Vinicius, but this time the winger triumphed, albeit fortuitously. Barcelona fans were enraged by his raucous celebration in front of them.
It was the first goal scored from open play at Camp Nou in La Liga this season, and only the second strike at home and ninth overall. Barcelona claimed that defender Nacho, who had already been booked, should have been sent off for a handball on Raphinha.
The hosts did not get their wish, but they were gaining momentum and found a breakthrough just before halftime from an unexpected source. Sergi Roberto, who was substituted for injured midfielder Pedri, was in the right place at the right time to control a loose ball in the box and arc it past Courtois.
Barcelona had significantly more possession and chances than in their cup win over Madrid, but Madrid came close to winning. After a tense wait for VAR instruction, Madrid substitute Asensio fired home, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
We didn’t win because of an offside that we’re still questioning, Ancelotti lamented. I wasn’t convinced. We have reservations about it, and we will return to Madrid with them.
Barcelona appeared content with a point, but Kessie’s last-gasp goal elicited wild celebrations at Camp Nou. I don’t have the feeling (the league has been won), but I understand the fans chanting ‘campeones u2014 it’s a significant advantage, but we can’t relax, Xavi added.
The atmosphere was incredible, the way the fans supported the team. Real Sociedad had earlier held on to fourth place with a 2-0 win over Elche on Sunday. Real Betis and Villarreal, who both won, put them under pressure.
Betis is three points behind the Basque side after beating Mallorca 1-0, while Villarreal is four points behind the Andalusians after thrashing Osasuna 3-0 on the road.
Sevilla were defeated 2-0 at Getafe as their erratic season continued, leaving Jorge Sampaoli’s side 14th and two points above the drop zone.
