The "legend" Lucas Vázquez and Ancelotti's response to Xavi: "That thing about Barça deserved to win… You have to see it"

During the Etihad siege, Madrid and Lunin successfully defended against Manchester City’s 18 corners. However, in the 6th minute of the crucial Classic match that could determine the League, Raphinha’s cross found Christensen’s head, resulting in a goal for Xavi Hernández’s team. This could have been the start of Barcelona’s comeback in the League, but Madrid once again proved their refusal to be defeated.

Barça arrived at the Bernabéu determined to stay in the championship race, despite their recent failure against PSG. Ancelotti chose his strongest eleven players, although with Tchouaméni and Camavinga playing out of position, and Modric and Kroos sharing the midfield. “This team has something that doesn’t push forward. You have to have incredible faith and character,” admitted Modric after the match.

The Bernabéu also showcased its new 360-degree video scoreboard, which impressed players like Bellingham. On the field, Vinicius equalized from the penalty spot, leveling the score after a foul by Cubarsí on Lucas. However, there was controversy over whether Lunin’s save from Yamal’s shot crossed the line. The absence of goal-line technology in La Liga meant the VAR had to rely on replays to decide.

Gündogan, unaware of the lacking technology, argued with the referee to check his watch. Tebas, the president of La Liga, later responded to the criticism by sharing errors in goal technology in other leagues on Twitter. Xavi criticized the lack of technological advancements in Spanish football and expressed his disappointment with the referee’s decisions. Ancelotti, on the other hand, chose to focus on the match rather than comment on Xavi’s remarks.

Bellingham and Lucas Vázquez emerged as the heroes of the Classic. Bellingham broke his goal drought with his 17th goal of the season, and Lucas contributed to all three Madrid goals by winning a penalty, scoring an equalizer, and assisting in the winning goal. With five minutes left, Lucas and his teammates rallied to secure the victory. Bellingham even praised Lucas on Twitter, calling him a legend.

This historic victory completes Madrid’s 3-0 clean sweep of Barcelona in this year’s Classics, including both in the league and the Super Cup, a feat not achieved since the 1935-1936 season. With a gap of eleven points and only 18 games remaining, Madrid now holds a strong position in the league. They will face Real Sociedad, Cádiz, Granada, Alavés, Villarreal, and Betis in the upcoming matches.