Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid: El Clásico summary, score, goals, highlights, LaLiga 2022/23

LALIGA

Barcelona and Real Madrid’s remaining LaLiga fixtures

What's left for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in the fixture list

Xavi: 'We were superior to Madrid'

A delighted Xavi Hernandez spoke to Movistar Plus post game: 'Real Madrid posed problems for us later on with the changes and looked dangerous when Asensio and Rodrygo were on the ball'.

'I genuinely believe that we were superior to Real Madrid throughout the game'

Ancelotti: 'We played well and also deserved to win. We lost a little balance after the disallowed goal but games can be decided by small details'. 

'We have to accept the disallowed goal but have every right to have our doubts over it'

'We took risks at the end as we had to. We don't feel that the league is lost but we are still involved in three competitions;.

Real Madrid will be back here again in a matter of weeks as the play FC Barcelona in the second leg of the 2022-23 Copa del Rey semi-final.

Los Blancos trail 0-1 from the first game and the cup and the Champions League are Real Madrid lifelines to save the season.

Courtois: 'It's going to be difficult;'

The Belgian keeper spoke to Movistar Plus post game and was frank and honest after his team's defeat at Camp Nou.

'We need to be honest, it's going to be really difficult now to retain our title, but whilst there is still hope we'll keep going. We're still in the cup and going well in the Champions League'.

This is what the win means

The FC Barcelona squad and backroom staff celebrated the Camp Nou win with added gusto well aware of the importance of the win over Real Madrid.

The one glimmer of hope for Madrid fans is that they hold the head-to-head advantage should things be tied on points at the end of the campaign.

Let's catch up with the post game comments and see how both sides see the race for the title.

FC Barcelona are twelve points ahead after the Camp Nou win.

The whistle sounds and Barcelona win 2-1.

Sergi Roberto and Kessie the goal scorers for the home side.

Madrid under massive pressure now to retain their title.

Madridistas will rue the VAR decision and how a matter of millimeters can change the dynamic of the game.

Fati and Ceballos carded for a square-off

12 points advantage...

12 games to go...

is the title headed to Barcelona?

What a back heel that was from Lewandowski in the build-up to the Kessie goal.

Balde then did the rest in finding the former AC Milan.

Just a minute to go as Camp Nou celebrates.

Gooooooooooooool.

Kessie scores in the 91st.

Is that the goal that edges the title towards Camp Nou?

Fati on for Gavi.

Five minutes of added time confirmed.

Balde carded as Asensio streaks away.

The game has lost any shape now with a sense of anarchy taking over.

Last minute of the game.

Ansu Fati getting ready to make an entrance.

Now it's Barcelona's turn to counter as Courtois intervenes ... Madrid press and its Barcelona who are suffering now.

All the pressure coming from Real Madrid now as they up the tempo in search of the winner that would deliver the treasured three points.

Xavi and his brother Oscar but cutting anxious figures on the Barcelona bench. 

Ancelotti remains his calm and collected self on the Madrid technical area.

As we were.... Seven minutes left plus stoppage time.

NO GOAL.

VAR intervenes and by millimeters the Real Madrid player is offside.

Camp Nou in raptures.

Ferran on for Raphinha

The passage of play will be revised .... moments of tension for fans and players alike!

Hold that .... VAR may be called into action... Was Asensio offside?

Asensio makes it 1-2.

The first time the man from Mallorca touches the ball?

Kounde almost lets Benzema in as he mis-controls the ball to let the French striker in... Ter Stegen is alert and dives well to save.

Real Madrid: Tchouaméni, Asesnio and Ceballos on with Modric, Valverde and Camavinga making way.

FCB: Sergi Roberto off with Kessie on

Now Raphinha works well with Lewandowski who fires into the side netting.

Sergi Roberto and Raphinha work the ball well on the edge of the Madrid box and the Brazilian forces Courtois to save well once again.

Barcelona pegging the men in white back once again.

The game becoming more open now as tiredness begins to kick in... a series of passes being mid-placed by both teams too.... 

Will Ancelotti settle for a point with ten minutes to go and the game level?

Vini goes for goal when he had men over in the centre of the box. The Brazilian cutting onto his right foot on the edge of the FCB box but the shot was poor.

Modric now carded as he cuts Gabi down to prevent a counter.

Barcelona ahead in terms of possession and shots on/off target.

Lewandowski is alone and volleys over when it was easier to hit the target. 

Barcelona edging things as it stands.

Courtois saves well from Raphinha and Sergi Roberto pulls Modric back and is awarded a card for the flagrant foul.

Rodrygo almost makes an impact as his shot goes close and is deflceted over the bar.

Kroos and Nacho make way for Rodrygo and Mendy

Barcelona now enjoying a sustained spell of pressure that ends with Lewandowski striking close to the target and winning a corner for the home side.

The game is beautifully poised now.

Apart from a brief flurry at the start of the contest, we've seen little from Lewandowski tonight...

Just as we say that Ferran Torres begins to warm up and it would be no surprise if the former Man City man comes on for the Polish striker.

It's a monologue from Barcelona now as they force Madrid to sit deep.

Madrid rob the ball and give the home side a taste of their own medicine with some slick pass and move play with the source of danger, as always being Vini Jr.

Barcelona, as they did in the first half, start the better and have Madrid pegged back.

Vini Jr. sprints to the by-line and pulls the ball back for Valverde who drives wide.

Vini outgunning Araujo tonight after the defender had the better of the tussle at the Bernabeu during the recent Copa game.

The home side start the second 45'.

95,000 plus fans in attendance tonight at the Spotify Camp Nou

The teams are back on the pitch with the action poised to commence in a matter of minutes.

What tactics will Ancelotti employ in the second half?

A point for Real Madrid is really no good in terms of the title race and to keep things alive at the top of the table, Los Blancos really need three points from Camp Nou!

What a frantic end to the half and just when it seemed that Barcelona would have to dig deep in the second half, up steps the man that many questioned (Sergi Roberto) upon the FCB XI being announced pre-game.

A much better and open contest compared to the recent Copa del Rey clash between both sides in the Spanish capital.

Courtois has been on hand on a series of occasions to save Madrid who grew into the contest after taking an early lead as Araujo headed the ball into his own net.

Plenty to look forward to in the second 45'.

The whistle sounds too for the interval.

Gooooooooooool.

Barça equalise and it's Sergi Roberto who finishes off as the ball breaks to the midfielder who slots past Courtois. 

Camp Nou crowd now getting agitated too as a series of decisions go Real Madrid's way.

The classic ...'Asi, asi, asi gana el Madrid' chant breaks out !

Into the final five minutes of the half and unquestionably Barcelona have been rocked by the early Madrid goal with their build-up play just a little predictable with aimless balls fired into the box looking for Lewandowski.

Vini Jr fouls Raphinha and takes issue with the linesman who called the foul.

Camp Nou fans then begin to whistle the Brazilian.

What a strike from Raphinha as he cuts in and fires a left footed missile on target which Courtois tips over the bar.

The Brazilian has been a real thorn in the side for Real Madrid tonight.

Raphinha is carded as he scythes into Kroos, he too will miss the next game as Barcelona face Elche.

Araujo and Raphinha looking good for the home side so far...

Vini Jr. as always the main source of danger for Real Madrid.

Carvajal and Benzema link well together and Kounde is called upon to whack the ball into touch.

Madrid on top now after a bright opening ten minutes from the Catalan side.

Lewandowski seems to have picked up a knock which is far from good news for Barça fans.

Vini looks to weave his way into the Barcelona box but Ter Stegen is alert and pounces to intercept before the Brazilian can pull the trigger.

Close as Christensen is free in the six yard box but heads wide. The defender was under a degree of pressure with Nacho breathing down his neck.

Real Madrid now playing with poise as the goal has taken the impetus out of the home side (and Camp Nou crowd) as Ancelotti's men pass the ball around in a calm and composed manner.

Barcelona edging things ever so slightly in terms of possession.

First card of the night is awarded to Nacho as he clips Raphinha and that will see the Madrid defender miss his sides next league game (vs Real Valladolid).

What a ball from Vino Jr. as he clips in a cross from the left flank and it's just inches too far from Benzema who was steaming in at the far post.

Still, a very, very long way to go at Camp Nou and something tells me that that Araujo og will not be the last time we see the ball in the back of the nets tonight.

With that Araujo og, Barcelona ship goal number 9 of the 2022-23 LaLiga Santander campaign.

Min 9: FCB 0-1 RMCF

An own goal from Ronald Araujo opens the scoring at Camp Nou.

First danger from the visitors and the passage of play ends in a goal.

A blow for the home side who were bossing the game in the opening minutes.

Very impressive opening minutes from the home side as they peg Madrid back with two solid chances already being carved out.

..and again, Barcelona push with Raphinha heading on target and Courtois is alert yet again to avert the danger. 

What a swivel and turn from the Barcelona man as the home side win a corner. The ball is out of play from the dead ball but the first scare there for the side in white.

Lewandowski strikes and Courtois is forced to push the ball away, excellent hit from the Polish striker.

Barcelona moving the ball around with purpose with the entire Real Madrid team behind the ball. 

Real Madrid start the game ...

El Clasico is underway

The players from both teams pose together as part of LaLiga's anti-racism campaign and we're seconds away from kick-off.

Both sides in their classic kits (as it should be)....

Barcelona in their azulgrana, navy shorts and socks with Real Madrid in all white.

The FC Barcelona anthem belts out as the teams take to the pitch.

Pep Guardiola is here... the Manchester City boss is still a hardcore Cule and his side could face Real Madrid in the Champions League should both sides overcome Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the quarter finals.

The team news is confirmed to the Camp Nou crowd via the PA system with kick-off just minutes away.

Could Barcelona get the win that would see them extend their lead at the top of LaLiga to 12 points?

The teams are in the tunnel as we see the away sector at Camp Nou with approximately 275 travelling fans tucked away up in the highest tier,.

FCB...tightest defence in European football

Xavi's side are rock solid in terms of defence and have only shipped eight goals in LaLiga this season and lead the way in terms of the best defense across Europe.

Goals conceded in major Euro leagues (22-23)

Barcelona (LaLiga - 8 goals conceded); Real Madrid - 19 goals conceded)

Arsenal (Premier League - 25 goals conceded)*

Napoli (Serie A - 16 goals conceded, after 26 games)

Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga - 31 goals conceded)*

PSG (Ligue 1 - 26 goals conceded, after 27 games)

Feyenoord (Eredivisie - 23 goals conceded)*

*(All after 25 games unless stated)

Barcelona have won nine games this season 1-0.... the recent Copa del Rey Clasico win saw Xavi's men secure the win despite being totally shaded in terms of possession.

What price a 1-0 win for the Catalan side tonight?

Xavi pre-game

The coach from Terrassa spoke to the media pre-Clasico and was asked for his view on Carlo Ancelotti's team.

"They're strong. Very strong, recently. They're physically much better than they were in January. I'm sure they'll put our defence under pressure."

"This Madrid team is the European champion and they won the last league comfortably. It'll be a tight game, and I say we have a 50% chance."

Ancelotti: pre-game

The Italian coach addressed the media pre-game and was asked fo his views on this FC Barcelona side.

“They are solid at the back and don't concede many goals. That's how they've managed to win games despite being up against it more than they're used to. It's very difficult to know how the game will go because each one is different. In the Copa they were defensive because they had the lead. Depending on what happens in the match, they will change their approach.".

For those just joining us, the team news ahead of El Clásico.

No real surprises from Ancelotti but Sergi Roberto the swerve ball inclusion from Xavi with many Barcelona fans feeling Kessie should have been given the nod.

Match official for El Clásico

Tonight's clash at Camp Nou will be overseen by Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.

This will be his third Clásico and the second of 2023. The Bilbao-born ref, who celebrated his 37th birthday on Thursday, was in charge of the Spanish Super Cup final played in Saudi Arabia at the start of the year. He issued four bookings in that game - two for each side: Mendy and Valverde for Madrid, Christensen and Araújo for Barça.

His first Clásico was also in the Super Cup. He was in charge of the first leg at Camp Nou on 13 August 2017. The visitors won 1-3 but the talking point after the game was Cristiano Ronaldo’s sending off. The Madrid forward was shown a yellow card for whipping of his shirt and flaunting his rippling pecs and biceps for the for tv cameras after scoring a superb goal on 79 minutes. Two minutes later, he went into the book again for simulation, judged to have gone down a little too easy from Umtiti’s challenge. Shown a red card, he then made matters even worse by shoving De Burgos Bengoetxea in the back, earning himself a five-match ban for his troubles.

EL CLÁSICO

The surprise in Barcelona’s Clásico XI vs Real Madrid

Xavi's inclusion of Sergi Roberto in the FC Barcelona starting XI has raised a few eyebrows

SOCCER

Rosalía with an amazing version of the Barcelona anthem ahead of the Clásico vs Real Madrid

Spanish sensation Rosalía posted a version of her singing a version of the Barcelona club anthem a few hours before the start of the Clásico against Real Madrid.

Her Motamami logo (and most recent album) will adorn the FCB shirts tonight.

Barcelona XI confirmed

Gavi, Raphina and Lewandowski lead the attack with many FCB fans surprised to see Sergi Roberto get the nod from Xavi to start the game.

An enticing Araujo vs Vini Jr. tussle is on the cards again and the Uruguayan defender got the upper hand on the Brazilian winger during the recent Copa del Rey meeting between the sides at the Bernabeu.

Will LaLiga be over if Real Madrid lose El Clásico?

The million dollar question....

And indeed one of the questions put to Carlo Ancelotti in Saturday’s press conference concerned the knock-on effects on this evening’s Clásico on the title race.

The coach was asked whether he thought defeat to Barcelona at Camp Nou would effectively end Real Madrid’s chances of catching the leaders. “I don’t know, we are not thinking about that. We are thinking about winning the match,” was Ancelotti’s reply.

Are Barcelona too far ahead?

So just how realistic are Madrid’s chances of catching Barça? Prior to kick-off, Barcelona top the table on 65 points and Madrid are just behind in second place on 56 points - nine points separate the two teams who have both played 25 games. Including tonight’s Clásico, there are 13 games left to play - 39 points to play for.

For Xavi’s Barça to throw LaLiga away at this stage, they would need to lose at least three of the remaining 13 games and Madrid would need to win all of theirs, including El Clásico. Unless they suffer a collapse, the probability of that happening is slim - Barça have lost just two games in 25, and dropped just 10 points...

Camp Nou (no filter)

This shot of the Camp Nou is undeniably spectacular and despite its majesty, one can fully appreciate why the Barça board feel that that time has come to overhaul and modernise the old stadium.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: match odds

The bookmakers are backing Barcelona to beat Real Madrid in El Clásico today. A Barça win is priced at +115, while Los Blancos are valued at +225. A draw is priced at +245.

Last LaLiga Clasico contest at the current Camp Nou!

As of June, renovation work will begin on the famous stadium with FC Barcelona set to move on a temporary basis to Montjiuc with today's game possibly the last El Clasico LaLiga clash until 2025 or 2026.

Barça NBA style 'tunnel walk'

In US sports, the NBA tunnel walk has become one of the menswear world's most influential fashion runways as players get a chance to showcase their latest looks or collabs. with fashion houses.

Follow the Clásico in Spanish 

If you'd like to keep up to date on the Clásico in Spanish you can follow our colleagues' live feed of Barcelona - Real Madrid.  

No FC Barcelona team news as yet but this is how we anticipate Xavi will start with this evening.

Pedri and Ousmane Dembele are the key absentees for the Catalan side.

FC Barcelona (possible XI)

Ter Stegen; Araújo, Koundé, Christensen, Balde; Busquets, De Jong, Kessié; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Gavi.

Ancelotti names Real Madrid XI

No real surprises in the Real Madrid XI as Camavinga, Modric and Kroos man the centre of the park with Vini, Valverde and Benzema marshalling the frontline.

SOCCER

Michael Laudrup: “Madrid are different from the rest: they never panic”

The Dane, who played for both Barça and Madrid, sat down with AS to analyze today's El Clásico.

Barcelona x Rosalia shirt

Should anyone be anxious to secure one of the limited edition FC Barcelona x Rosalia shirts, there is a limited quantity on sale with the jersey coming in a special presentation box. All for 399 euro!

El Cant del Barça x Rosalia

The FC Barcelona players will sport Rosalia's Motomami logo (after her international hit album that came out exactly one year ago) on today's shirts.

The move follows the Catalan side using Canadian rapper Drake's logo in the last El Clasico and is all promotional activity as part of the sponsorship with music platform Spotify.

FCB-RM: head to head this season

USA pre-season friendly: Barça 1-0 Real Madrid

La Liga: Real Madrid 3-1 Barça

Spanish Super Cup Final in Riyadh: Barça 3-1 Real Madrid

Copa del Rey Semi-Final (first leg) Real Madrid 0-1 Barça

El Clásico countdown is on

Camp Nou looking resplendent as kick off looms ahead of the second El Clasico of the 2022-23 LaLiga campaign. 

The previous league meeting at the Bernabeu back in October ended in a solid 3-1 win for 'Los Blancos'

LALIGA

What is ‘Barçagate’, the scandal around Barcelona? The controversy explained

Explaining the 'Caso Negreira' ..the scandal around FC Barcelona and the former referee supremo... 

Florentino Pérez skips El Cláscio

Such is the consternation felt by Real Madrid over the 'Caso Negreira' scandal, for the first time in 20 years, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez will not attend El Clásico at Camp Nou. Not even the hysteria surrounding the transfer of Luis Figo from Barcelona to Los Blancos, nor the covid-19 pandemic led to him missing a clash between the two teams in Catalonia. But sources close to Barça have revealed to AS that they have received confirmation that Pérez won’t be at today’s game.

It had been rumoured for several days that the Madrid supremo may opt not to make the trip and, after careful consideration, his final decision appears to have been made: Pérez didn’t get on the flight with other club representatives. Real Madrid have left the door open for their president to change his mind and travel to Barcelona on a private plane this afternoon, although that would appear to be unlikely.

FC Barcelona currently hold a nine point lead over their rivals from the capital as we end into the final stretch of the league campaign.

A win and a 12 point lead surely would be a bridge too far for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

So, arguably the biggest club league game on the planet is less than three hours from getting underway in Barcelona.

Many observers see the outcome of the matchday 26 game as being pivotal in deciding the outcome of the 2022-23 LaLiga Santander title with a win or a draw for Xavi's men as good as sealing the title but a win for Madrid (plus a better head-to--head) could reignite the title race with still 12 games outstanding in the campaign.

The action in the Catalan capital gets underway at 21:00 (local time) / 4:00 pm (ET) / 1:00 pm (PT)

Hello and a warm welcome to our live coverage as FC Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to Camp Nou for 'El Clasico'.