Robert Lewandowski’s 87th-minute winner secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Barcelona over 10-man Atletico Madrid, moving Hansi Flick’s side seven points clear at the summit.
The veteran striker’s decisive blow came after Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso failed to handle a Joao Cancelo cross, allowing the ball to deflect in off the Pole’s shoulder.
Earlier, Giuliano Simeone had opened the scoring for the hosts, but Marcus Rashford quickly equalized before Nico Gonzalez was sent off for a professional foul.
This high-octane encounter was a preview of things to come, as the two Spanish giants are scheduled to meet twice more in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The result is particularly damaging for Real Madrid, whose title hopes took a major hit following a shock 2-1 defeat to struggling Mallorca earlier in the day.
With only eight games remaining, Barcelona now hold 76 points compared to Real’s 69, with a massive El Clasico showdown looming on May 10.
Hansi Flick praised his side’s “hunger” after the match, emphasizing the importance of staying focused as the Catalans transition back to European duty this Wednesday.
