The Azulgrana edged Real Madrid in a dramatic Clasico thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Kessié.
Fútbol Club Barcelona secured a 2-1 league win over Real Madrid at Camp Nou. The Catalan club dominated the majority of the match, and just as Madrid looked set to rescue a draw, Xavi’s side struck late through Kessié in added time.
The contest began with an own goal from Araujo off a Vinícius cross, giving Madrid the early advantage. Real Madrid found Ter Stegen’s net more easily than in prior cup encounters, yet Barcelona controlled possession and created more chances than in recent visits to the Bernabéu.
Right before halftime, Barça leveled through Sergi Roberto after a scrappy stretch, a deserved equalizer given the run of play. In the second half, Barcelona started brighter, but the match opened up and both teams traded chances as the tempo swung back and forth.
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Ancelotti reshuffled the lineup with Rodrygo, Ceballos and Asensio entering the fray, and Madrid looked more dangerous. Yet a late Barça counterattack sealed the result after a cohesive team performance.
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Postmatch reflections from El Clásico Barcelona vs Real Madrid 2022-2023
Carlo Ancelotti, press conference
The manager explained the gap by noting Madrid had shown more consistency this season. He acknowledged the demanding campaign but stressed the team would keep pushing in upcoming fixtures, aiming to improve after today’s showing.
Regarding lineup changes, he highlighted that the additions brought more rhythm and energy. He admitted the approach could have varied at moments, yet was proud of how the players competed and how the game unfolded.
Inside the locker room, he spoke of pride in the performance despite the result, insisting the team would stay confident and fight in all competitions until the end.
On substitutions, Ancelotti defended the changes around the 60th minute as a spark to momentum, with further adjustments around the 75th minute to chase the win. He also touched on a VAR decision that left some doubt about the offside ruling, indicating the controversy would be a talking point after the match.
He also reflected on continuity through the season, noting improvements after a demanding period in January and following the World Cup break. He expressed belief the team would keep competing at a high level going forward.
Vinícius had earned praise, with comparisons to Araujo highlighting the Madrid winger’s performance in a tense clash.
Sergi Roberto, after the game
Roberto spoke about the challenge of predicting results in such a competitive league, noting that a 12-point gap is significant but not insurmountable. He celebrated the victory and the collective sense of achievement for the squad.
Courtois, after the match
The Madrid goalkeeper admitted the uphill battle was tough, acknowledging that despite a strong performance, a disallowed goal altered the course of the game. He emphasized the importance of refocusing on upcoming cups and the Champions League.
Minute by minute
Full time delivered a dramatic finish. In the 91st minute, Kessié struck as Real Madrid pressed, turning a late counterattack into a decisive moment for Barcelona.
Minute 90 brought five minutes of stoppage time. In the 89th, Ansu Fati replaced Gavi and a yellow card was issued to another player. As Madrid intensified in the closing stages, the match swung on a razor edge before Barcelona sealed it with the final goal.
Earlier phases showcased pivotal moments, including an equalizer by Sergi Roberto just before the break and a string of chances for both sides as the game wore on. Madrid held early control, while Barcelona grew in confidence and precision as the match progressed.
Other notable moments included a second-half spell where Lewandowski and Raphinha tested Courtois, and a series of tactical substitutions that reshaped the flow of play. The clash also featured a controversial offside decision that influenced Madrid’s momentum, a topic that lingered after the final whistle.
A day before kick-off, Barcelona had sat nine points clear of Real Madrid in the standings. The result added new drama to the title race and kept the championship chase open as the season unfolded.
The GOAL preview of El Clásico Barcelona vs Real Madrid in La Liga 2022-2023 highlighted historical trends and statistics for both clubs as they pursued supremacy at Camp Nou. The piece also provided context around tactical approaches, squad depth, and the potential impact of upcoming fixtures on the championship chase.
Where to watch Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Confirmed lineups for Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen; Araujo, Kounde, Christensen, Balde; Busquets, De Jong, Sergi Roberto; Gavi, Raphinha and Lewandowski.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rüdiger, Nacho; Camavinga, Kroos, Modric; Valverde, Vinícius and Benzema.
Source: Goal