Barcelona edge closer to title with thrilling 4-3 win over Real Madrid

BARCELONA :Raphinha scored twice as Barcelona overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a crucial 4-3 home victory against rivals Real Madrid in a pulsating Clasico on Sunday, edging them to the brink of the LaLiga title.

The victory extends Barcelona's lead at the top of the standings to seven points over second-placed Real Madrid and with three matches remaining, one more victory will clinch a 28th Spanish league title for the Catalans.

After Tuesday's heartbreaking extra-time loss to Inter Milan saw them exit the Champions League at the semi-final stage, Barca bounced back in style.

"It was obviously very important to win today. It's great to have this game after the Champions League, I think it's already forgotten," Yamal told Movistar Plus.

"Suffering is what makes you strong and what teaches you to correct the mistakes you make. They didn't create any clear-cut chances other than the goals.

"It was very important to win today to get closer to the league title. We are delighted."

Barca earned a fourth consecutive victory over Real in all competitions this season, and their second in less than a month, in a chaotic match in which both sides showed their usual defensive weaknesses.

However, Barca seemed a much stronger and well organised team overall, dominating possession and creating several chances that were denied by an inspired keeper Thibaut Courtois who prevented Real’s loss from being by a larger margin.

Barcelona can secure the LaLiga title as early as Wednesday, should Real Madrid fail to win at Mallorca. However, regardless of Real's result, a Barcelona victory in their city derby against Espanyol on Thursday would guarantee the championship for the Catalans.

BLISTERING START

Real made a blistering start at the