Barcelona turn a two-goal deficit into a derby remembered for its ending
Chancel Beya’s first-half double put Real Madrid FC in command, but three Barcelona headers after the break settled a fierce Spanish First Division meeting.
Barcelona came back from two goals down to win 3-2 at Real Madrid FC on Friday, turning a derby that seemed to belong to Chancel Beya into one decided by three headers after the interval. The result made it two successive Barcelona wins in the fixture, following their 1-0 victory in December; the previous meeting before that was a draw, with Real Madrid winning the January 2063 Spanish Super Cup encounter.
Beya struck twice before half-time: a header through the middle on 12 minutes, then a footed effort near a post on 33. Real Madrid had the lead and the clearer return from their chances. Beya, who had also helped his side in midfield, was replaced in the 82nd minute with his two goals still the defining work of the evening.
Barcelona’s response arrived in a decisive burst. Götz Pauls headed low on 65 minutes; Andreu Mariño put Barcelona ahead with a high header a minute later. Jesús Prats added another low header on 84 minutes, completing a comeback built not on a long siege but on three precise finishes. The visiting side had only three shots on target, yet each goal changed the shape of the contest.
The old allegiances gave the derby an extra edge. José, once a Real Madrid player, started for Barcelona; Ronaldinho, formerly of Barcelona, led the home attack. Neither connection softened the result. Ronaldinho had four attempts, but Beya’s two goals were the home side’s only reward.
The Spanish Daily’s preview on Wednesday framed the match as a test of pride for Real Madrid and a defence of Barcelona’s position. On Friday, Barcelona answered the pressure with a comeback, while Real Madrid were left with a familiar derby lesson: a commanding first half is not a result. This was their first meeting since Barcelona’s December win, and the latest instalment belonged to the visitors.