Three things we learnt as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 4-3 in La Liga | OneFootball

FC Barcelona stepped onto the pitch at Montjuic with everything to play for. Facing arch-rivals Real Madrid in a pivotal La Liga clash, the stakes were sky-high, and victory would all but seal the league title for the Catalans.

Just days removed from a heartbreaking Champions League semi-final exit at San Siro, this match was not just about points, but redemption. Yet in true El Clásico fashion, drama ensued—and Barcelona rose to the occasion.

Barcelona showed no signs of the ghosts from a few days ago in El Clásico. Despite going 2-0 down very early in the game, the heads did not drop, and Hansi Flick’s men, for the umpteenth time this season, managed to perform a comeback.

With all this in mind, we at Sempre Barca bring three things we learnt from Barcelona’s 4-3 win over Real Madrid in La Liga.

1. Life begins at 2-0 for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona

Every single time Barcelona go down 2-0 in a game, fans are bound to think — surely not again? Against Real Madrid, yet again after the two Inter Milan games, the Catalan club conceded two goals and had their backs against the wall.

However, it’s fair to say: life begins at 2-0 for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona. Even when Real Madrid looked completely on top last night, the La Liga leaders hardly panicked and picked them apart brick by brick, performing a sensational comeback even before the half-time whistle.

As was the case against Inter Milan midweek, it was Barcelona’s right-back, Eric Garcia, who kicked off the comeback. Lamine helped level things with a brilliant goal, and the third and fourth were brilliantly taken goals by Raphinha.

Barcelona created a truckload of chances in the second half. Unfortunately, they were unable to take their chances, and it turned out to be a much closer end to the game with Real Madrid managing to pull back one through Mbappe.

How instrumental was Raphinha to the comeback? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

2. So close to being Campeones

Barcelona in Hansi Flick’s first ever season as the manager of the club are now two points away from being crowned Campeones of Spain. If Real Madrid drop points against Mallorca on Wednesday, that’s the league title done for the Catalan club.

If not, the Spanish giants have a chance to lift the title by beating their arch rivals Espanyol on Thursday. It would be an excellent feeling to beat local rivals to the title, but it is not something they have not done in the past.

Barcelona currently have 82 points in La Liga and, should they win their remaining three games, they have the chance to finish on 91. Flick’s men also have 95 goals in the league so far and can break past the three-digit mark in the remaining games.

Winning the La Liga title would wrap up the domestic treble for Barcelona, having already lifted the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey titles. It is an incredible season for the Catalan club, and one hopes it only gets stronger from here on.

3. The Frenkie de Jong – Pedri axis:

Just how good were Frenkie de Jong and Pedri last night? Based on current form, are they the best midfield duo in the world? Vitinha and João Neves might run them close, but the duo have formed a brilliant partnership at the heart of Barcelona’s midfield.

Frenkie was simply outstanding from start to finish against Real Madrid. The Dutchman, wearing the captain’s armband, hardly put a foot wrong, and he was vocal with the referee, fought for his teammates, and hardly missed one duel.

On the ball, the quality has never been in doubt. Pedri, on the other hand, is mastering the art of controlling the pace at which a game should be played. He is putting in displays that would make Xavi Hernandez proud.

Frenkie has had his detractors all through his Barcelona career, but this current version of the Dutchman is as well-rounded as they come. There aren’t many players who can hold a candle to him when he plays like this, and long may it continue!

With the league title within touching distance, Barcelona’s resilience under Hansi Flick is painting a new era at the club. Their stirring comeback against Real Madrid not only showcased tactical grit but also underlined the emergence of leaders like Frenkie de Jong and Pedri with incredible mentality.

For Barça fans, it’s been a season to savor, and the journey might just be getting started.