Barcelona Clinches La Liga Lead with 4-3 El Clasico Win over Real Madrid

Real Madrid suffered a dramatic 4-3 loss to Barcelona in a crucial La Liga clash, leaving the Catalans seven points clear at the top with just three games remaining, effectively handing them the title. Despite Kylian Mbappé's hat-trick, Real Madrid's defense, depleted by injuries to five key players, faltered under pressure as Barcelona staged a relentless comeback fueled by goals from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, acknowledged the defensive mistakes that cost his team the match but praised their attacking efforts and overall commitment. Ancelotti also addressed rumors surrounding player Rodrygo's absence, attributing it to health reasons rather than disciplinary issues. The defeat marked a bitter end to a difficult season for Real Madrid, including a recent Champions League exit and Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona. Ahead of the match, Ancelotti took a subtle jab at Barcelona over their absence from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, underscoring the intense rivalry and high stakes of the encounter.