Barcelona win El Clasico, destroy Real Madrid's title hopes

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Spanish La Liga leaders Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 in a thrilling El Clasico on Sunday to dash the Whites' title hopes.

Visitors Real Madrid took an early lead in a fortunate way at Spotify Camp Nou as Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior crossed from the left but the ball deflected off Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo’s head and went into Barca’s net.

Barcelona leveled the match before the break as Sergi Roberto was in the box when Real Madrid could not clear the ball. Roberto took advantage of a rebound to unleash a right-footed effort that beat Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Barcelona came back near the end of the match.

Barca's Alejandro Balde found unmarked Franck Kessie in the Real Madrid area as the Ivorian midfielder scored the winner via a low shot in the 92nd minute.

Thanks to the late winner, Barcelona now have 68 points in 26 matches to go 12 points clear of Real Madrid, who are in second place.

The Spanish La Liga will end after 12 matches.

Barcelona confirmed on its website that 95,745 football fans watched Sunday's El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou.

It is regarded as one of the biggest football rivalries for both clubs' competitive profiles.