Lionel Messi put the class in El Clasico yesterday. His last minute walk-off winner moves Barcelona above Real Madrid to the top of the La Liga table, and sees Messi’s 500th goal for the club.
The 92nd minute goal saw Barcelona steal the three points in front of a silenced Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Messi’s goal was his second of the game as some quick footwork and clinical finishing, saw his team tie the game before half time at 1-1.
There were plenty of nail-biting moments throughout the game. Cristiano Ronaldo uncharacteristically sliced the ball over the bar from a gifted position, and Suarez forced a world class save from Navas.
It was Rakitic who scored the game’s third goal. He pulled off a ridiculous left-footed finish from outside the box that sailed past Real Madrid’s keeper. A frustrated Ramos left the pitch after a dangerous two footed tackle on Messi left the referee no choice than to give the defender a straight red.
Despite being a man down, Madrid managed to find a second goal as substitute Rodriguez finished a low cross from Marcelo in the 85th minute. In a last minute surge, Madrid attacked in full force but found themselves short numbered at the back when Barcelona counter-attacked, and Messi, with the last kick of the game, slotted the ball from just inside the box into the bottom left corner.
As well as his 500th club goal, his celebration has stirred up quite the conversation online. After scoring his record breaking goal, Messi held his shirt with name and number facing an abusive Real Madrid crowd.
The Argentine now has the most El Clasico goals, most La Liga goals, most La Liga assists and most goals in a year; an unbelievable achievement.
The race for the La Liga title is well and truly on. Barca have 5 games left, whereas their rivals have 6 with a game in hand. Could it come down to the final game of the season?
