Barcelona Leads Historic Clásico Comeback
Dramatic Shift Before Halftime
In a thrilling Spanish Clásico on Sunday (October 22), Barcelona staged an impressive comeback against Real Madrid, overcoming an initial two-goal deficit to secure a commanding 4-2 lead by halftime at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys in Montjuïc.
Real Madrid started the match strong, with Kylian Mbappé scoring two quick goals within the first 14 minutes, putting the White Angels ahead 2-0. The momentum seemed to favor Madrid, who were seeking to narrow the gap in the league standings and reignite their title race.
Barcelona’s Remarkable Response
However, Barcelona’s response was nothing short of extraordinary. The turnaround began in the 19th minute when Fran Torres assisted defender Eric García, reducing the deficit to 2-1. Just 13 minutes later, Torres set up Lamine Yamal, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 32nd minute. Two minutes after that, Barcelona secured a lead for the first time with a goal from Raphaël, who converted another assist from Torres just before halftime, making it 4-2.
Record-Breaking Performances
This match saw several remarkable individual achievements. Kylian Mbappé’s goals marked his 38th for Real Madrid this season, setting a record for the highest number of goals scored in a debut season, surpassing Iván Zamorano’s 37 from the 1992-93 season. Additionally, Mbappé’s contributions helped him surpass Cristiano Ronaldo in combined goals and assists in a debut season, achieving 42 compared to Ronaldo’s 41.
On the other hand, Barcelona enjoyed a historic performance in this encounter. With 16 goals across four Clásicos this season, they set a new all-time record. Lamine Yamal also etched his name in history by becoming the first player in Barcelona’s history to score three goals in a Clásico before turning 18.
Media Reactions and Analysis
Criticism of Real Madrid’s performance emerged from various media outlets, with Marca stating, “They are sinking. Raphaël steals the ball with heart and a lot of faith. A fantastic half. Yamal thrives in big games as always.” In contrast, AS noted the defensive intensity was atypical for a competitive team, highlighting a lack of coordination among players.
Meanwhile, social media buzzed with praise for Barcelona, declaring Raphaël as “the best in the world right now” and hailing the club as start of the greatest in history.
This high-stakes contest has not only reverberated throughout La Liga but may significantly impact the title race as Barcelona emerges as a formidable force