The Barcelona team, who were 2-0 down after 14 minutes but led 4-2 at half-time, strengthened their lead at the top of the Spanish league after the 35th matchday derby, moving seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid with just nine games left to play in the last three rounds.

Victory over their biggest rivals will help Barcelona overcome the midweek elimination from the Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan, and the title party could take place on Thursday at Espanyol's stadium in the 36th round.

Real Madrid looked set to make amends for the three defeats they suffered against Barcelona this season and reignite the fight for the title with two goals from Mbappé, in the fifth minute, from a penalty awarded to him by goalkeeper Szczesny, and in the 14th minute, following a quick clearance and an assist from Brazilian Vinicius Júnior.

In the other match played on the same day, Leganés gained some momentum in the fight to stay up by winning 3-2 at Espanyol, moving up to 16th and penultimate place, one point behind Alavés, 15th and the first team above the “red zone”, who have played a game less.