Barca edge closer to title

Raphinha scored twice as Barcelona overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a crucial 4-3 home victory against rivals Real Madrid in a pulsating Clasico on Sunday, edging them closer to the LaLiga title. The victory extends Barcelona’s lead at the top of the standings to seven points over second-placed Real Madrid and with three matches remaining, one more victory will clinch a 28th Spanish league title for the Catalans.

Real Madrid made a blistering start with a brace from Kylian Mbappe giving them a two-goal advantage. However, Barcelona responded swiftly with Eric Garcia, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha all finding the net within 15 minutes to overturn the deficit. Raphinha extended Barcelona’s lead just before halftime following a costly error by Lucas Vazquez and despite Mbappe completing his hat-trick in the 70th minute, last year’s champions could not recover, leaving them on the brink of a season without silverware.

Newcastle beat Chelsea

London: A 2-0 win against top-five rival Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday moved Newcastle closer to a return to the Champions League next term. Eddie Howe’s team leapfrogged Manchester City into third. City were held 0-0 by Southampton on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest’s chances of a top-five finish were hit by a 2-2 draw against relegated Leicester.

With a club-record extending 17th loss in the Premier League, Manchester United were beaten by West Ham 2-0 at home and sit in 16th place.

Tottenham are down to 17th with a club record 20th loss in a league campaign following a 2-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace.

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