In a pulsating El Clasico encounter at the Camp Nou, Lionel Messi’s 93rd-minute penalty sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for Barcelona over arch-rivals Real Madrid.In a pulsating El Clasico encounter at the Camp Nou, Lionel Messi’s 93rd-minute penalty sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for Barcelona over arch-rivals Real Madrid. It was a game of high intensity and relentless attacking play from both teams. Barcelona dominated possession in the first half, creating several chances but failing to find the breakthrough. Madrid, on the other hand, relied on quick counterattacks and managed to carve out a few promising opportunities. The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute when Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane inadvertently deflected a cross into his own goal, giving Barcelona the lead. However, Madrid fought back and equalized just five minutes later through Karim Benzema, who calmly slotted home a Luka Modric cross. The second half was even more intense, with both teams pressing for a winner. Barcelona had the better of the chances but were denied by some fine saves from Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. As the game entered the final minutes, it seemed as though it would end in a draw. However, in the 93rd minute, a handball by Madrid’s Casemiro inside the penalty area gave Barcelona a lifeline. Messi stepped up to the spot and coolly converted the penalty, sending Courtois the wrong way. The Camp Nou erupted into pandemonium as Messi celebrated his late winner. The victory marked Barcelona’s first El Clasico win at home since 2019 and moved them to within three points of leaders Madrid in the La Liga standings. Messi’s goal was his 76th in El Clasico, extending his record as the all-time top scorer in the fixture. It was also a fitting end to a match that had lived up to its billing as one of the most intense and exciting rivalries in world football.
