‘Suffering Makes Us Strong’ – Barcelona Celebrate Comeback Win Despite Mbappe Hat-trick
After a heartbreaking Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Inter Milan, there was a very real danger that Barcelona’s season could unravel.
In previous years, perhaps it would have. A collapse from potential treble winners to a team clinging to a single domestic trophy would’ve felt familiar for a club that has faced deep struggles — both on and off the pitch — in recent seasons.
But this is a new Barcelona.
On Sunday, after falling 2-0 behind in yet another Clasico — the third time in four meetings they’ve done so — the Catalans launched a thrilling fightback to lead 4-2 at half-time and eventually claim a 4-3 victory.
Withstood late Real Madrid pressure, Barcelona are now just one win away from securing their 28th La Liga title. A victory against Espanyol on Thursday would seal the deal — or, alternatively, a Real Madrid loss to Mallorca on Wednesday could crown them champions without kicking a ball.
Their fourth Clasico win of the season — only the second time the club has achieved such a feat — stands as a glowing endorsement of Hansi Flick’s impact since replacing Xavi last summer.
Not long ago, this team lacked belief and identity. Now, they overflow with both — even if they often take the long road to victory.
With emerging stars like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Pau Cubarsi enjoying standout campaigns, Barcelona appear poised to compete on multiple fronts for years to come.
After a quiet opening at the Bernabeu, Flick’s side tore into Madrid with relentless pressing and sharp, clinical finishing.
Defensive frailties still linger, and Flick knows it. Loyal to his high line, the German tactician admitted the need for improvement.
“This journey we started last year isn’t over. I know we have to improve a lot in defence,” Flick said.
“It has nothing to do with the back four. When we make mistakes, Real have fantastic offensive players.”
Reflecting on the win, 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal told Movistar Plus:
“It was obviously very important to win today. It’s great to have this game after the Champions League – I think that’s already forgotten.
Suffering is what makes you strong and teaches you to correct your mistakes.
It’s been a difficult year — we haven’t even been able to play in our stadium. But like I told my mother, the Champions League comes around every year. We’ll keep trying.
Today was crucial to bring us closer to the title. We’re delighted.”
With three games remaining and a seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid, Barcelona are on the brink of glory.
Madrid Collapse as Mbappe Breaks Record Amid Clasico Defeat
If Barcelona’s future looks promising, the same can’t be said for Real Madrid.
Though they contributed to an electrifying encounter, a fourth consecutive Clasico loss has all but surrendered the title to their fiercest rivals.
Kylian Mbappe delivered yet again, firing in two early goals in the opening 15 minutes to become Madrid’s highest-ever scorer in a debut season, and later completing his hat-trick. Still, his brilliance wasn’t enough to mask the defensive chaos.
Madrid were 4-2 down by half-time, and despite Mbappe’s third pulling them within one, their backline continued to crumble.
Conceding 16 goals in four Clasicos is an alarming statistic for a club of Madrid’s stature — and a key factor behind what is shaping up to be a trophyless season.
There were moments of hope. 21-year-old substitute Victor Munoz squandered a golden chance to equalize late on when through on goal — but goal-scoring hasn’t been Madrid’s issue this term.
Instead, Carlo Ancelotti’s failure to establish tactical balance has been his undoing. Despite boasting attacking firepower in Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, Madrid have remained vulnerable at the back.
“It was an evenly played match — competitive and fought until the final second,” said Ancelotti after the match.
“We could’ve scored the equaliser, but it didn’t happen. It was a great game between two great teams. I can’t fault my players’ attitude or commitment.
But yes, we have to defend better — that’s clear. We defended badly, and that’s the truth.”
Ancelotti is widely expected to leave the club at the end of the season, with Xabi Alonso tipped to succeed him once his impressive stint at Bayer Leverkusen concludes.
If the former midfielder does take charge, he’ll inherit a team bursting with individual talent but desperately in need of structure.
Asked before the match about his future, Ancelotti offered a sentimental response:
“With this club, the honeymoon doesn’t end. The honeymoon with Madrid will last until the last day of my life.”
Still, a trophyless season would be an underwhelming swan song for a coach who has guided Real Madrid to 15 major trophies during two separate spells.
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