Barcelona staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Real Madrid 4-3 in El Clasico on Sunday, moving to the brink of the La Liga title.
The Catalans overturned a two-goal deficit after Kylian Mbappe had given Madrid an early advantage with a quick-fire brace.
The victory extends Barcelona's lead at the top of the standings to seven points with just three matches remaining.
Hansi Flick's side now need just one more win to secure their 28th Spanish league title.
Barcelona mounted a brilliant comeback to put them on the brink of La Liga glory
Reuters
Real Madrid made a blistering start at the Montjuïc Olympic Stadium, taking the lead after just four minutes.
A mistake from Pau Cubarsi allowed Mbappe to run through on goal before being brought down by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.
The French striker calmly converted the resulting penalty to put Madrid ahead.
Just ten minutes later, Mbappe doubled Madrid's advantage with a clinical finish after Vinicius Junior played a perfectly weighted pass into space.
Barcelona responded swiftly, with Eric García heading home from a corner in the 19th minute to reduce the deficit.
Lamine Yamal then produced a stunning goal, firing a brilliant curling effort past Courtois to equalise in the 32nd minute.
Just two minutes later, Raphinha fired the hosts ahead after neat interplay.
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Barcelona's relentless press overwhelmed Madrid, with Raphinha scoring his second before half-time following a costly error from Lucas Vazquez.
The Catalans took a commanding 4-2 lead into the break.
Barcelona assumed control early in the second half, with Yamal having a goal disallowed for offside.
However, Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the 70th minute to bring Real Madrid back into the contest.
Even Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick was not enough for Real Madrid to claim victory
Reuters
The Frenchman slotted home from close range after Vinicius Junior found him with a precise cross.
It was Mbappe's 26th La Liga strike of the season, taking him past Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski at the top of the scoring charts.
The final 20 minutes produced a tense finish as Madrid pushed for an equaliser.
Substitute Victor Munoz missed a golden opportunity when clean through on goal, slashing his shot wide.
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Hansi Flick is closing in on a league title in his first season in charge of Barcelona
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Mbappe thought he had salvaged a point with a last-gasp equaliser, but it was ruled out for offside.
Barcelona's Fermin Lopez also had a late goal disallowed for handball.
Despite the late drama, Barcelona held on to secure their fourth consecutive El Clásico victory this season.
The victory puts Barcelona in a commanding position to reclaim the La Liga title they last won in 2023.
With a seven-point cushion over Real Madrid and just three matches remaining, Barcelona could seal the championship as early as Wednesday if Madrid stumble against Mallorca.
The Catalans have also already won the Copa del Rey this season, putting them on course for a domestic double under Hansi Flick.
