Marcus Rashford celebrates his opening goal with teammates.
Barcelona needed just a point to seal the championship, but they went all the way, overpowering their eternal rivals with a commanding display. Rashford opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick, and Ferran Torres doubled the lead after a brilliant backheel from Dani Olmo.
Real Madrid arrived at the Clásico without Kylian Mbappé, who was omitted from the squad as his knock had not healed, hoping to delay Barcelona’s title party at least a few days. Arbeloa’s side, already struggling for consistency, lost Huijsen to a pre-match injury during warm-up, with Asencio stepping in as a replacement.
Barcelona, meanwhile, fielded Pedri and Gavi in midfield alongside a highly offensive lineup featuring Dani Olmo, Fermín López, Rashford, and Ferran Torres. Before kickoff, a respectful minute of silence was observed in memory of Hansi Flick’s father.
The first chance of the game fell to Real Madrid: Vinícius Jr. received a pass from Brahim Díaz but fired straight at goalkeeper Joan García. Barcelona responded with pace, looking to unsettle Madrid’s defense. Fran García prevented Rashford from connecting with a quick move initiated by Fermín, who had carved open the white backline.
**Rashford’s Stunner**
The Blaugrana took the lead in the eighth minute. A free-kick won by Ferran Torres was expertly curled over the wall by Marcus Rashford. The Englishman placed the ball on Courtois’ side, but it sailed into the top corner, leaving the Belgian helpless.
**Ferran Puts the Title on a Platter**
Barcelona grew comfortable, and a brilliant team move ended with Dani Olmo’s backheel pass, which Ferran Torres slotted home past Courtois into the far post.
Real Madrid had a good chance to reduce the deficit when Gonzalo chased a long ball. The academy graduate, starting in Mbappé’s absence, raced through but fired wide when one-on-one with Joan García. On another counter, Jude Bellingham nearly connected with Vinícius, only for the Barcelona defense to intercept.
At the other end, Courtois had to be alert to clear a cross-shot from Rashford. Madrid tried to exploit spaces, with Vinícius setting up Tchouaméni, but the Frenchman shot wide.
After a quiet spell, Ferran set up Rashford on a counter, where the Englishman was fastest but saw his effort slightly deflected by Courtois. From the resulting corner, Dani Olmo had a golden chance to make it 3-0. The final minutes of the first half were controlled by Barcelona, with Pedri orchestrating play once again.
The second half began with a yellow card for Asencio for a late tackle, followed by one for Dani Olmo after a minor scuffle.
**Bellingham’s Scare**
In one move, Bellingham collapsed after being unable to finish under pressure from Eric García, who fouled him. The Englishman fortunately got back up and continued, though he required treatment for a cut lip.
Barcelona came back strongly: Cancelo delivered a great pass to Ferran, who cut inside and forced a fine save from Courtois with his foot, denying a double.
**Raphinha’s Return**
Flick introduced Raphinha, back after seven games out, along with Frenkie de Jong, replacing Dani Olmo and Rashford.
Barcelona dominated, while Madrid tried to stay in the game. Tchouaméni headed a corner over the bar, with the ball glancing off Raphinha. Shortly after, the Camp Nou rose to applaud Ferran Torres as he was substituted alongside Gavi for Lewandowski and Marc Bernal.
Tensions rose moderately, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raphinha both booked. The Liverpool defender went after Fermín following a foul, Raphinha grabbed him, and the game became scrappy.
