Matchday LIVE: Real Madrid face Barcelona in crunch La Liga title race clash

Thanks for tuning in for what was an enthralling day of football. We're back tomorrow when&nbsp;Jose Mourinho's Tottenham will look to stop Manchester United's momentum, while Atletico Madrid get the chance to answer back in the Liga title race.

...Until tomorrow

Thibaut Courtois’ face provided ammunition to those creators of memes for the position he got himself in when seeing Messi’s corner hit the post. But people can laugh all they want, as he emerged on the winning side and was delighted with the fight Real showed in the 2-1 victory. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🎙️ <a href="https://twitter.com/thibautcourtois?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thibautcourtois</a>: "I’m very happy. The second half was very complicated for us and it was difficult to go on the counter. The weather didn’t help us much, but we held on again. We’ve suffered. Our team knows struggles and that’s what we did today."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElCl%C3%A1sico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClásico</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/3oeQvxcp5h">pic.twitter.com/3oeQvxcp5h</a> — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1380999028842889223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

'We've suffered'

Koeman was unhappy about Barca not getting a penalty, and his star defender had the same view. Gerard Pique did not figure as he continues his recovery from injury, but <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2021/04/10/607212af46163f39268b4574.html" target="_blank">Marca</a> is reporting that the defender went on to the pitch to remonstrate with referee Gil Manzano over his decision not to award a penalty and why he did not add on more time at the end of the game.

Prickly Pique

Not a great night for Ronald Koeman, who saw his side lose both Clasicos in the same season. He felt his Barca side should have been awarded a penalty, and said VAR should have stepped in to help the referee. “We should have got a penalty, everybody has seen it,” Koeman said. “It wasn't awarded to us and I don’t understand. “The referee is maybe not able to see it, but we have VAR in our sport for these exact situations and the VAR should assess it and help.&nbsp; “I would like to restate, we should have had a penalty. “We lost the match, but we were strong and tried our best up until the last minute.”

Koeman laments penalty call

Nacho Fernandez was made to work extremely hard at the back for Real Madrid in the second half. His defensive pal Sergio Ramos was watching on in the stands nursing an injury, and whisper it quietly was probably quite happy to be out of the rain. A rain-lashed Nacho gave his reaction after the game, as he said: "I am very happy. It’s always very positive to win a match, but today it was&nbsp; El Clasico. A very important game to keep us fighting for La Liga. We must continue like this.”

'A very important game'

Surely the great&nbsp;man can't end on this note? <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ❌❌❌❌❌❌❌ Lionel Messi has now failed to score in seven straight Clasicos 📉 <a href="https://t.co/h7BIznjiWj">pic.twitter.com/h7BIznjiWj</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1380993741373153280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Messi's slump continues

It’s now up to Atletico Madrid to respond. They trail Real on head-to-head record, but play their game in hand against Real Betis on Sunday and a win or draw will take them back to the summit with eight games remaining in the season.

Over to Atletico

Away from the Clasico, Megan Rapinoe ensured USWNT’s unbeaten run continued, but they were not great in drawing with Sweden. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/rapinoe-to-the-rescue-as-streaks-fall-for-subpar-uswnt-at/qawe02bl7ht01r21r57uh52a5" target="_blank">Full report here</a>

USWNT labour to draw

And with that Real, move two clear of Barca in Clasico wins. When games are hyped up to the max, they can disappoint. But that was not the case in Madrid as the two sides served up a breathless contest that could have gone either way. Real were rocking towards the end, but held on and it’s fair to say the torrential rain made it an even better spectacle. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Total El Clasico wins: Real Madrid: 98 Barcelona: 96 <a href="https://t.co/CDXOur9pJu">pic.twitter.com/CDXOur9pJu</a> — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1380988148298174467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A Clasico that did not disappoint

Real hold on for a massive, massive win.&nbsp; The win moves Real level with Atletico on 66 points, with Barca a point further adrift. The Liga title race is bubbling up nicely and is tough to call. Barca appeared to have all the momentum but will need to fashion a response in the weeks ahead. We'll have some reaction shortly.

FT Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona

Drama at the death. In a frantic finish, Moriba lashes a shot on goal, it beats Courtois but crashes against the crossbar. Ter Stegen is forward and the ball falls to him, but he takes a wild swipe and Real survive.

Moriba hits the bar

From the free-kick for the foul on Mingueza, Messi hits the target but the shot lacks zip and is easy for Courtois. Time added on now.

Messi free-kick saved

RED CARD Casemiro picks up two bookings in roughly the space of a minute, a wild lunge on Messi and late hack at Mingueza and he’s trudging off in disgrace.

Casemiro sees red

Barca getting desperate now. Braithwaite goes down under challenge (minimal challenge) from Mendy and the players surround the ref looking for a penalty. The official is having none of it, but it takes some time for order to be restored. Five minutes left for play and Real are hanging on like a boxer on the ropes protecting a lead.

Barca plead for a penalty

More ammunition for those who are not fans of VAR. Seems the rain has got into the electrics of the referee’s equipment, as Gil Manzano's audio connection to the VAR has gone and he’s had to have it replaced.

Rain in the electrics

Zidane is making changes, with Vinicius and Benzema coming off. This will limit their abilities to play on the counter, but may tighten things up a bit as well. Marcelo, Mariano and Isco on for Madrid, with Kroos, Vinicius and Benzema. Arguably a nod towards the second leg with Liverpool.

Zidane rings the changes

It’s end-to-end now, and it’s Barca’s turn to go close. The Catalans play some slick passes out to Mingueza who lashes a fierce cross into the six-yard box. Any sort of touch and it would surely have been a goal, but it eludes everyone.

Mingueza a big threat

Can Messi cut it on a wet Saturday night in Madrid?

That rain we told you about...

What a chance. Vinicius shows his pace again to latch onto a long ball and streak clear. For whatever reason, he elects to pass sideways towards Benzema&nbsp;rather than shoot on goal and Barca are able to smuggle the ball clear. The pass was far harder to execute than the shot. Real have passed up a series of big chances.

The good and the bad of Vinicius

60 - Real almost paid the price for not killing Liverpool off in midweek, and Barcca are back in the game here after being on the back foot for long spells. It’s not a goal that is going to live long in the memory banks, but Griezmann deserves credit for a clever dummy that allowed Oscar Mingueza the space to stab home.

GOAL! Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona

Weather update: Zidane’s gone for the towel. I don’t think that is really going to do it, but his side are two to do good so we are in no position to argue.

Zizou takes the towel

It’s fair to say we are having a bit of weather in Madrid. By weather, I mean it is absolutely sheeting it down. Zidane’s coat may not last the rest of the night.

Raining cats and dogs, and rain

Koeman sends for the cavalry. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Antoine Griezmann is coming on! Is Ronald Koeman is switching to a 4-3-3? El Clasico is back underway on beIN SPORTS English 1. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beINCL%C3%81SICO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beINCLÁSICO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beINLiga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beINLiga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a> Watch Now - <a href="https://t.co/RRmQgctETJ">https://t.co/RRmQgctETJ</a> Live Blog - <a href="https://t.co/1vBEtxgJSV">https://t.co/1vBEtxgJSV</a> <a href="https://t.co/YNXnRkMRUg">pic.twitter.com/YNXnRkMRUg</a> — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS_EN/status/1380975406984138753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Griezmann on for Barca

Away from the Clasico for a moment, Goal’s Nizaar Kinsella was impressed with Kai Havertz against Crystal Palace. The German might have passed up some chances, but he was able to get himself in dangerous positions. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I picked out Havertz for praise despite a few misses. His elegance, flair and finesse makes Chelsea really worth watching, adding to Thomas Tuchel's rock solid game plan (don't worry Pulisic gets a mention too): <a href="https://t.co/hrBE3omz0r">https://t.co/hrBE3omz0r</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CRYCHE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CRYCHE</a> — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) <a href="https://twitter.com/NizaarKinsella/status/1380959526246043651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Havertz makes his mark

We’re back underway for the second half and Barca have it all to do if they are to move top of La Liga. Messi went through the gears towards the end of the first half so all is not lost for Koeman's men.

Back at it in Madrid

He might not have got anywhere near it, but you've got to be impressed with Courtois' hang time. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Vaya JOYA que nos iba a regalar Messi... ❌⚽️😢<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a> <a href="https://t.co/0x6TKrX6Ix">pic.twitter.com/0x6TKrX6Ix</a> — MARCA Claro (@MarcaClaro) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcaClaro/status/1380972599287554049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Messi a whisker away

Zinedine Zidane’s side are halfway to getting the job done. There was plenty of fortune to Kroos’ goal, but nothing lucky about Benzema’s sublime finish and the Blancos are full value for their lead. Real didn’t kill off Liverpool in midweek when in complete control so there is hope for Barca, but Ronald Koeman’s men will need to show more than in the opening 45 minutes. Barca have had plenty of possession, but Real have been ruthless in front of goal.

HT Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona

Lionel Messi has done some amazing things in his career, and we nearly got something special on the stroke of half time.&nbsp; Taking a corner, he got some stunning whip and dip on the ball and it curls at pace over Courtois and smashes into the far post.

Messi, seriously?

Somehow Real don’t make it three. A lightning break sees the ball fall to Valverde who rifles his shot against the post and Ter Stegen makes a stunning save todeny Lucas Vazquez. Vinicius' pace on the break was somethig to behold. Rockets in his boots.

Real strike the post

Whichever photographer got this one can feel pretty pleased with themselves. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ✨ KARIM BENZEMA. That's it. That's the tweet.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElCl%C3%A1sico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClásico</a> <a href="https://t.co/2Y857l9f0F">pic.twitter.com/2Y857l9f0F</a> — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1380966490556469258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

What a pic

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Goal! Real Madrid go 2-0 up! Toni Kroos thumps in a free-kick that deflects into the goal! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beINCL%C3%81SICO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beINCLÁSICO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/beINLiga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#beINLiga</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a> Watch Now - <a href="https://t.co/RRmQgctETJ">https://t.co/RRmQgctETJ</a> Live Blog - <a href="https://t.co/1vBEtxgJSV">https://t.co/1vBEtxgJSV</a> <a href="https://t.co/2gICYkwYxP">pic.twitter.com/2gICYkwYxP</a> — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) <a href="https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS_EN/status/1380966327591055362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Kroos control (sorry)

Real are making a statement of intent here, with Toni Kroos doubling the lead. It will (okay, might) go down as a Kroos goal, but his free-kick took two deflections on its way past Ter Stegen. After 27 minutes, Barca have a mountain to climb.

GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Barcelona

Benzema is better at back-heels than free kicks. Real get a chance from 25 yards out and the Frenchman takes charge, but smashes the ball high into the Madrid night sky. Barca are taking time to fashion a response. They were the dominant side prior to Benzema’s stunning opener.&nbsp;

Stick to back-heels, Karim

The feeling you get when you realise you could get done for the second time this season by your biggest rivals. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> First blood to Real Madrid, then. This game never disappoints.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a> <a href="https://t.co/WmBp7yobxO">pic.twitter.com/WmBp7yobxO</a> — Standard Sport (@standardsport) <a href="https://twitter.com/standardsport/status/1380963812933828617?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Concern for Koeman

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> GOAL! Benzema draws first blood in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a>! 😱 <a href="https://t.co/I0IgVczmCq">pic.twitter.com/I0IgVczmCq</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1380962682904444935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Brilliance from Benzema

13 - Benzema, who else? And what a goal it was. Real spring forward, a low cross from Lucas on the right&nbsp;is met at the near post by Benzema who backheels the ball beyond Ter Stegen. Glorious stuff. The Frenchman is on the mission to almost single-handedly lift Real to the Liga title.

GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona

In USWNT news, Megan Rapinoe popped up with a late penalty to rescue a draw against Sweden. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Megan Rapinoe comes to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USWNT</a> rescue 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/XTqXieWJmz">pic.twitter.com/XTqXieWJmz</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1380960527531270150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Rapinoe to the rescue

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Lionel Messi: 4️⃣5️⃣ appearances Sergio Ramos: 4️⃣5️⃣ appearances Barcelona: 9️⃣7️⃣ wins Real Madrid: 9️⃣6️⃣ wins The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a> battle begins 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/sZChRjClUc">pic.twitter.com/sZChRjClUc</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1380959115057434625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

No Ramos, so Messi draws level

Up and running in Madrid

The players are out on the field and let’s be honest it’s all a bit weird, as we are not at the Bernabeu and the Alfredo Di Stefano has no fans so it’s a bit eerie.

Ready for action

With Atletico Madrid faltering, the Clasico offers Real and Barcelona the chance to steal the initiative in the title race.&nbsp; Atletico sit top of the table on 66 points, but a win would take Barca top - while Real sit on 63 points and right in the mix. We’re within five minutes of kick off and let’s hope it lives up to the hype.

A Clasico with everything to play for

10 minutes until kick off and if Barca bring this sort of finishing to the table, Real are going to be in for a tough night. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Last kicks before <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElCl%C3%A1sico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClásico</a>. <a href="https://t.co/crbRJqZFUt">pic.twitter.com/crbRJqZFUt</a> — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1380955385482338304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Barca looking hot in front of goal

Fifteen minutes to kick off in the Clasico and Marc-Andre ter Stegen is lookking pretty sharp. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ✋ <a href="https://twitter.com/mterstegen1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mterstegen1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElCl%C3%A1sico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClásico</a> <a href="https://t.co/eR67VFRRZK">pic.twitter.com/eR67VFRRZK</a> — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1380954377540751368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Clasico countdown

Havertz got his second Premier League goal as a Chelsea player and produced a decent all-round display, but his manager wants more from the forward. “[Kai Havertz] maybe should've scored more, he had more chances,” Tuchel said. “He can still improve his hunger and determination. He has outstanding quality.&nbsp; “He's not the leader of this team and he doesn't have to be. He had excellent runs and he could've scored more."&nbsp; Overall, the German coach was pleased with what his side produced in the win over Palace. “It was very good,” he said. “We started very well, very aggressive and we had a high percentage of possession. We also had a good switch of play and we had a lot of touches in the box - so a very good performance.”

Tuchel wants more from Havertz

Kai Havertz stopped short of “great to get the win and the three points” but it’s fair to say he played his Sky Sports interview with a straight bat. “Of course I'm happy but the most important thing is that we won,” Havertz said. “It was a good game from us, we could've scored more goals but we are really happy. "In my position you always want to score. It wasn't easy, we created many chances and we maybe should've scored more but we are happy.“ Havertz was deployed as a false nine, and he said it's a role that suits his game. “I like it,” he said. “I think it is a good position for me. I have the freedom to go where I want to go and I hope I can continue like that. I will give my best and try to improve and I will continue like that."

Havertz happy as a false nine

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Mason Mount's game by numbers for Chelsea vs. Palace: 100% take-ons completed 92% passing accuracy 90 touches 7 accurate crosses 5 shots 4 chances created 3 ball recoveries 3 tackles 1 assist Another sensational display. ✨ <a href="https://t.co/bt6xOJ3IZV">pic.twitter.com/bt6xOJ3IZV</a> — Squawka Football (@Squawka) <a href="https://twitter.com/Squawka/status/1380951418857783303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Massive display from Mount

Milan boss Stefano Pioli has shed some light on Zlatan-gate, and if this is true then it's not exactly crime of the century. “Zlatan told me he discussed something with the referee for a while, but did not show a lack of respect and absolutely did not insult him," Pioli said of the decision to send off Ibra for dissent. "I haven’t spoken to Maresca, so I don’t know. “Zlatan told me the final thing he said was: ‘So you’re not interested in what I have to say?’ I wasn’t there, so I don’t know."

'So you’re not interested in what I have to say?'

Dortmund are nothing if not entertaining, and they get the three points after putting their fans through the mill. BVB looked like they had tossed three points away when gifting Stuttgart a second goal, but Ansgar Knauff came up with an exquisite finish on 80 minutes to seal the win. Dortmund have a lot to do to overhaul Eintracht Frankfurt in the race for fourth place, they trail by seven points, but they can now head to the second leg of their Champions League quarter final with Manchester City with a spring in their step.

FT Stuttgart 2-3 Borussia Dortmund

Job done for Chelsea who cruise to victory over Palace to move back above Liverpool into fourth place. It’s the biggest win for Chelsea under Tuchel who can now turn his players’ attentions to the second leg of their Champions League quarter final with Porto. Jurgen Klopp said earlier that his side’s three points felt big. On reflection, they are the same three points Chelsea have just picked up.

FT Palace 1-4 Chelsea

GOAL! Palace 1-4 Chelsea Any thoughts of a Palace fightback - i’m not sure even the most ardent Eagle thought there was going to be one - have been snuffed out. Pulisic gets his second of the game, slotting home&nbsp;at the back post following an excellent low cross from Reece James.

Double up for Pulisic

Rafael Leao's late goal sealed the win for AC Milan at Parma. The win moves the Rossoneri to within eight points of leaders Inter, albeit having played a game more, and the focus will now shift to what Zlatan said to get himself sent off - and how long a ban he will get.

AC Milan get the job done

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 📋✅ Our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElCl%C3%A1sico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClásico</a> starting XI!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/X7h0BqBTks">pic.twitter.com/X7h0BqBTks</a> — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1380941884139438082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Real team is in

GOAL! Palace 1 Chelsea 3 Kante was not up to speed, and Jeffrey Schlupp gets down his outside and dinks a glorious cross for Chrstian Benteke to head home.&nbsp; Who knew it would be a good idea to put crosses into the box for Benteke to attack? It’s not quite game on yet, but it could be an interesting final 30 minutes.

Benteke cuts Chelsea's lead

N’Golo Kante is back for Chelsea, with the midfielder getting half an hour in his legs upon his return from a hamstring injury. They will be valuable minutes ahead of the Porto game, and it also gives Jorginho the chance to put his feet-up. Win-win all round for Tuchel.

N'Golo time

We're a little over an hour until the Clasico. Did we not tell you the Clasico tonight? Barca'a team is in and the big news is Messi's hair has been expertly brushed. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🙋‍♂️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Culers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Culers</a>! Your starting XI for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElCl%C3%A1sico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClásico</a>! <a href="https://t.co/FTb0IN2DaG">pic.twitter.com/FTb0IN2DaG</a> — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1380938659281657860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Barca team is in

Two goals in quick succession from Jude Bellingham and Marco Reus have turned things around for Dortmund who now lead Stuttgart 2-1. Operation Keep Erling is back on track, maybe.

Dortmund on fire

Palace 0-3 Chelsea We're back underway and there are no changes for either side. Can't see that remaining the case for too long. Palace need to find a response, Tuchel will be looking to save legs.

Chelsea in charge

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s match started with a sublime assist for Ante Rebic’s opening goal against Parma. It ended just past the hour mark, with the Swede shown a straight red card for dissent. We’ll have a dig around to try and find out what was said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been sent OFF with a straight red! 😱 Milan are now down to 10 men! <a href="https://t.co/nfgPfiMBNB">pic.twitter.com/nfgPfiMBNB</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1380935163455102976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Zlatan sees red

There’s international football going on as well today, and USWNT great Carli Lloyd has hit the milestone of 300 caps. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> It’s 3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ caps for Carli Lloyd today 🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/luQmMscGB5">pic.twitter.com/luQmMscGB5</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1380930632524705795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

300 up for Lloyd

Palace 0 Chelsea 3 Half-time at Selhurst Park, and it’s fair to say this one has been as one sided as the scoreline suggests. The most fight Palace have showed was when Wilf Zaha got angry with Mason Mount for a late tackle.&nbsp; Is Roy Hodgson known for his inspirational speeches? We’ve no idea, but he needs one.

Chelsea in cruise control

Away from top-flight action for the moment, and Hearts have won the Scottish Championship and will be playing Scottish Premiership football next term. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://t.co/28P2BAEwDN">pic.twitter.com/28P2BAEwDN</a> — Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamTarts/status/1380912073677344774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Joy for the Jam Tarts

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 5 - Kurt Zouma has scored more goals than any other Premier League defender this season. Leap. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1380930068587933696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Zouma making his mark

Goal!, Palace 0-3 Chelsea Cheik Kouyate may have been quite pleased with the reducer he put on Ben Chilwell. A minute or so later, after Chilwell had reattached his leg to the rest of his body, the Palace defender was made to rue his poor tackle as Kurt Zouma climbs high to head home Mason Mount’s excellent free kick. Three goals to the good inside half an hour, Tuchel is in the ideal position of being able to rest players ahead of the second leg of their Champions League quarter final with Porto next week.

Zouma puts Chelsea 3-0 up

Do Borussia Dortmund actually want to keep Erling Haaland? They are making a complete mess of it, as they trail to Stuttgart who go ahead on 17 minutes courtesy of Sasa Kalajdzic’s looping header. If the scoreline stays this way, BVB will find themselves 10 points adrift of Eintracht Frankfurt.&nbsp; Mino Raiola staring at his phone right now awaiting text messages from the scrum of teams lining up to sign the Norwegian.

Dortmund fall behind

Job done for PSG, who answered Lille’s win on Friday by thrashing Strasbourg 4-1.&nbsp; The Ligue 1 championship has been the plaything of PSG for years, but it’s going down to the wire this year. Lille hold a three-point lead, but can they hold their nerve with six games remaining?

PSG keep pressure on Lille

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Kai Havertz in the opening 10 minutes vs. Crystal Palace: ⏰ 8th minute — goal ⏰ 10th minute — assist An unbelievable start to the game. 💥 <a href="https://t.co/WRl8dUf9Rb">pic.twitter.com/WRl8dUf9Rb</a> — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/StatmanDave/status/1380924557314428930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Havertz is on a tear

Goal!, Palace 0 Chelsea 2 Palace are in a state of shock, as a shade over a minute after Havertz opened the scoring, Chelsea double the lead through Christian Pulisic. Havertz's goal was precision, Pulisic's was all power as he collects&nbsp;the ball in the box and smashes&nbsp;it into the roof of the net.&nbsp; Managers live or die on team selections, and Tuchel is in dreamland right now. &nbsp;

Pulisic doubles the lead

Goal! Palace 0 Chelsea 1 Chelsea have been laying siege to the Palace goal and the home side pay the price, as KaI Havertz finds a bit&nbsp;of space in the box, opens up his body and curls the ball into the far corner. Havertz has had a tough time since moving to the Premier League but that was absolute class.

Kai on target

So Liverpool are back in the top four, possibly for a short period, and Jurgen Klopp is a happy man following his side's win over Aston Villa. “We dominated the game but we made one mistake and concede a goal,” Klopp said. “Then we score the equaliser but it's ruled out for offside. At half-time it wasn't the best mood, you can imagine but the words were OK. I didn't have to lift them too much, they knew if we continue to play like we did we would create chances again. We dealt with their game really good. It was massive, it felt massive to win. A real relief. "We were there, we defended well, we were constantly in the creating mood without having 20 clear-cut chances. We needed that win today, these three points feel big.”

'These three points feel big'

We're underway at Selhurst Park, with Chelsea looking to respond after Liverpool's late goal moved the Reds up to fourth.

Chelsea aiming to answer Reds' challenge

No Timo Werner for Chelsea, and Thomas Tuchel says it’s about giving the forward a breather. “It’s to do with form and work-rate, with Timo, we are close to over-using him and there’s no point in doing that,” Tuchel said.

Time for a breather for Timo

It’s almost certain Jamie Carragher will be tweeting this at Gary Neville for the next few days, but it’s fair to say TAA had a game. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Trent Alexander-Arnold’s game by numbers vs. Aston Villa: 68 passes attempted 51 passes completed 30 final third passes 6 ball recoveries 5 tackles attempted 3 tackles won 3 shots [2 on target] 3 chances created 2 clearances 1 goal Decisive. 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/njN5lt30L3">pic.twitter.com/njN5lt30L3</a> — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) <a href="https://twitter.com/StatmanDave/status/1380915021136412675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Trent did some football

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 37 - <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFC</a> have now scored 37 winning goals in the 90th minute or later in the Premier League, at least 12 more than any other side in the competition. Perseverance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVAVL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVAVL</a> <a href="https://t.co/QjyA7WZCoX">pic.twitter.com/QjyA7WZCoX</a> — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1380913670058872832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If at first you don't succeed...

Diving back to the Etihad for a moment, City are 14 points clear but have played two games more than Manchester United. We’d love to say the title race is on, but Pep Guardiola’s side are almost certain to fashion a response and the Catalan has full faith in his squad. "When you win, you're a genius and when you lose ... I don't have any regrets about the selection because I trust a lot of them,” Guardiola said. “Maybe they don't trust me but I trust them because if I didn't trust them they wouldn't play. "What happens when you lose games is that you realise how difficult what we have done so far is. You realise how difficult it is to win 27 in 29 games. "We need points still because our opponents can win more points - but we have three finals. "I have incredible confidence with the guys. Defeat sometimes is necessary to understand what we have done."

Pep has full faith in his squad

The opposite of the reverse fixture in October where Villa won 7-2.&nbsp; Watkins grabbed the lead for Villa in the first half, just for Salah and Alexander-Arnold to null his goal. Liverpool make the huge jump into fourth place with these three points, but Chelsea and Tottenham below can leapfrog over with a win each.

FINAL | Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa

Trent Alexander-Arnold steals the lead in injury time! The Liverpool defender's curler is a saviour for Liverpool who get revenge over Aston Villa.

LIVERPOOL GOAL ⚽️

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 4 - Ollie Watkins is the first player to score as many as four Premier League goals against Liverpool in a season since Andrey Arshavin did so in 2008-09. Fab. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLLIV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AVLLIV</a> — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1380894823150977024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Ollie Watkins is on 🔥

Palace: Guaita, Ward, Cahill, Kouyate, Van Aanholt, Ayew, Milivojevic, Riedewald, Eze, Zaha, Benteke Chelsea: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, Kovacic, Chilwell, Pulisic, Havertz, Mount

🚨 Team news | Crystal Palace vs Chelsea

Werder 1-4&nbsp;RB Leipzig&nbsp; Hertha 2-2&nbsp;Borussia Monchengladbach Eintracht Frankfurt 4-3&nbsp;Wolfsburg&nbsp; <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ⏹ GET IN!!! What a game and what a win!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SGEWOB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SGEWOB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SGE</a> | 4-3 <a href="https://t.co/3P4VX1FJ4F">pic.twitter.com/3P4VX1FJ4F</a> — Eintracht Frankfurt (@eintracht_eng) <a href="https://twitter.com/eintracht_eng/status/1380904688523042822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

FT elsewhere in 🇩🇪

Bayern are held to a draw and a win from RB Leipzig closes the title race gap to five points. Berlin proved to be a hard working side and managed to rescue a point in the in the 85th minute.

FT | Bayern Munich 1-1 Union Berlin 

Mo Salah Mo Salah&nbsp;🎶 The Egyptian striker gets an easy tap in on goal after Emiliano Martinez's block fell into Salah's path in an open net. 30 minutes left in the match.

Liverpool equalise...this time it stands! 🔴

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Real Madrid vs Barcelona Who is going to take the W? 😎<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElClasico?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElClasico</a> — Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1380829328758484992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Who else is counting down the minutes??

Bayern 1-1 Union Berlin&nbsp; Subsitute,&nbsp;Marcus Ingvartsen equalising in Munich four minutes from the final whistle.&nbsp; <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH! ⚽️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBFCU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBFCU</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/fcunion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#fcunion</a> | 1-1 | 85’ <a href="https://t.co/4rPRvGWnsX">pic.twitter.com/4rPRvGWnsX</a> — 1. FC Union Berlin (@fcunion_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/fcunion_en/status/1380902064746815494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Berlin equalise!

Can Liverpool redeem themselves in the second half? <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 127 - Excluding penalties, Liverpool haven't scored with any of their last 127 shots in Premier League home matches, with the Reds having a further 12 attempts so far today. Review. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVAVL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVAVL</a> — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1380897871147499520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Second half under way in Liverpool

Jamal Musiala grabs the lead for Bayern against Berlin. The 18-year-old slots into the bottom corner with 15 minutes left in the match to get a hold of a big three points for Bayern.

Bayern goal! ⚽️

Liverpool behind at the break after Firmino's equaliser was overturned for offside by VAR. The Reds finish with12 attemps on goal to Villa's four, can Liverpool find their way back in the second half?

HT | Liverpool 0-1 Aston Villa

NO GOAL ❌

Roberto Firmino get's one back for Liverpool in the 47th minute.

Liverpool equalise! 🔴

Ollie Watkins smashes home for the lead in the 43rd minute. Alisson had a hand to Watkin's shot, but there was too much power and the ball deflected into the back of the net.&nbsp;

VILLA IN THE LEAD ⚽️

RB Leipzig are closing the gap between them and Bayern with their current 3-0 over Werder, can Bayern get all three points to keep their eight point advantage at the summit of the Bundesliga?

Second half under way in Munich

Werder 0-3 RB Leipzig&nbsp; Hertha 0-1 Borussia Monchengladbach Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 Wolfsburg&nbsp;

Elsewhere in 🇩🇪

An underhwleming game in Munich. The hosts have yet to register a shot on target from seven attempts and Berlin have managed a shot on target from just two attempts on goal. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> No goals in the first half here. 🔴⚪ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBFCU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBFCU</a> 0-0 <a href="https://t.co/ysc4YqtUxA">pic.twitter.com/ysc4YqtUxA</a> — 🏆🏆🏆FC Bayern English🏆🏆🏆 (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1380887551133822976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

HT | Bayern Munich vs Union Berlin

Liverpool have now gone 12 hours without a home goal from open play in the Premier League. 20 minutes into the match and Aston Villa vs Liverpool remains 0-0.&nbsp;

Still goalless in England

It's still goalless in Munich with minutes left until HT.

Bayern vs Berlin

Can Liverpool avenge themselves from last time's 7-2 loss against the Villains?

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿  KO | Aston Villa vs Liverpool 

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa speaking to <a href="https://www.bt.com/sport" target="_blank">BT Sport</a>: "We deserved to win but the just or fair thing would have been for City to win. It's very difficult but it's what I think. We made a big, big effort but it is true that City dominated the game and had the better options. "It's a game that if we don't have a big grade of aggression it is difficult to shorten the gap between their creativity and what we can do. "I think the English referees are very good. VAR allows the margin of error to be reduced. I didn't see the action of Liam Cooper but I always think the referees have arguments to sustain their decisions. "First of all I didn't beat Pep Guardiola. It's a game between two teams with the players being the predominant factors. We are just simply the two managers of the two teams that faced each other today."

'First of all I didn't beat Pep Guardiola.' 

In the opening 15 minutes of the match Bayern have managed three attempts on goal. A long afternoon for Berlin?

🇩🇪 | Bayern Munich vs Berlin Union

<center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 4 - Leeds have become just the fourth promoted side to win away against the Premier League leaders in the competition’s history, after Ipswich at Norwich in December 1992, Derby at Man Utd in April 1997 and Hull City at Arsenal in September 2008. Underdogs. <a href="https://t.co/5OnskB4AKo">pic.twitter.com/5OnskB4AKo</a> — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1380877937721901062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Leeds come up BIG

Leeds steal all three points in Manchester. Two attempts on goal, two shots on target and TWO goals. City finish wth 29 attempts, 7 shots on target and ONE goal. The Manchester side had a player advantage for the entire second half, but failed to capitalise on it.&nbsp; Stuart Dallas is the hero of the day cooly finishing both his chances.&nbsp;

FT | Manchester City 1-2 Leeds United 😱

Dallas gets a brace in the 92nd minute !!! Leeds in the lead with just minutes to go.