Franck Kessie the El Classico hero- sends Barca to early Laliga parade

Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie was the difference between an entertaining El Classico game between Spanish football giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo was unfortunate after he headed Vinicius Jr’s cross into his own net.

This gave the visitors an early lead. However Xavi’s men leveled things before half-time.

This is after Sergi Roberto’s shot found the back of the net from an initial Raphinha‘s blocked shot.

Real Madrid substitute thought he had bagged the crucial winner for the Los Blancos in the dying minutes of the game.

His first touch goal assisted by Dani Carvajal was however ruled out for offside.

It was another substitute Franck Kessie on the opposite side however who made the difference.

The former AC Milan midfielder scored a beautiful goal from an Alejandro Balde cross.

The game was definitely put of Real Madrid’s reach as the goal came in injury time.

This win sent Barcelona 12 points clear at the top of LaLiga with 12 games to go as each side has played 26 games.

Goalscorer Roberto said that the title is far from over although they have a 12 point cushion lead.

However he’s optimistic, they can clinch it as everything lies in their hands now.

 “You can never say [the title] is over but we have now gone 12 points clear so it’s difficult for them.”
“It’s down to us and that’s the most important thing. I’m just glad to have helped the team with a goal. It was epic at the end and I’m pleased for Franck to get the goal.”

“The game swung when we thought Asensio had scored, it was ruled offside and we scored. It feels even better when you win with a late goal and it’s fantastic to do so in front of our supporters.”

The Catalonia club’s coach and former player Xavi Hernandez said that the league is far from over.

However the Classico was an important win which they surely deserved.

“The league is not decided but it’s a huge win of course.”

“I think we deserved the win and we were better than Real Madrid, we created more opportunities.”

Barcelona will resume action after the international break on April 1st with a trip to Elche.

Real Madrid will host Real Valladolid the following day.

Meanwhile Kessie had a lot of offers to leave Barcelona in January from Italian and English sides.

He however wanted to stay and Xavi also wanted to keep him.