The Santiago Bernabeu witnessed a stunning display of ability, determination and sheer brilliance on Sunday night but most of it did so reluctantly.
The team that pulled off a thrilling win right at the death did not play in white and the player who took centre stage is not the one they’d like to proclaim the world’s best, although he may well be.
Lionel Messi’s dramatic winner deep into injury time saw Barcelona run out 3-2 winners on enemy territory. The result was hugely significant as anything other than three points would’ve meant surrendering the La Liga title.
It’s not the first time though that the Argentine did the damage against Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Here, we look at five times he’s been a thorn in their sides.
REAL MADRID 2-3 BARCELONA | LA LIGA | APRIL 23, 2017
Let’s start with that phenomenal display on Sunday. Messi’s last-gasp goal was his 500th for Barcelona and narrowed the gap in this season’s title race.
It took the Catalans to the top of the table owing to their head-to-head record as both sides have 75 points although Madrid have a game in hand.
His first goal to level proceedings at 1-1 in the first half was a beauty as shimmied through Real’s penalty area with ease before dispatching his effort with aplomb. The winner though was a masterclass in precision finishing under enormous pressure. He connected with Jordi Alba’s cut-back perfectly, leaving Ter Stegen no chance.
#Messi was on fire last night 🔥#ElClasico #Messi500 pic.twitter.com/iU2m3k58fm
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) April 24, 2017
REAL MADRID 3-4 BARCELONA | LA LIGA | MARCH 23, 2014
In a similar scenario to Sunday’s fixture, Messi’s hat-trick against Madrid revitalised Barcelona’s title hopes. After a brace from Karim Benzema put the hosts in the driving seat following Andres Iniesta’s opener, Messi equalised.
Ronaldo dispatched his penalty early in the second half but Real were reduced to ten men when Sergio Ramos (yes, him again) was sent off. Messi was the focus of Barcelona’s attack and scored two penalties to win it for the visitors.
BARCELONA 3-3 REAL MADRID | LA LIGA | MARCH 10, 2007
Messi couldn’t have picked a better opposition against whom to score his 500th goal for the club on Sunday and a whole decade ago, it was against them that he smashed home his first senior hat-trick.
He also became the youngest El Clasico goal-scorer in this game (19). Ruud van Nistelrooy scored twice for Madrid with Messi drawing Barcelona level both times.
Sergio Ramos gave the visitors the lead in the 72nd minute but the Argentine had the last say as his third three minutes from time salvaged a draw.
REAL MADRID 0-2 BARCELONA | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | APRIL 27, 2011
Chances were few and far between in what was a tight encounter in the Champions League first leg. However, a Pepe red card gave Barcelona the advantage as Madrid were forced to play with a numerical disadvantage for the last half hour.
Messi then virtually put the tie to bed with two late goals. He steered home a cross from Ibrahim Afellay in the 76th minute but his second goal three minutes from time showed his class.
He danced past four white shirts before slotting his finish past Iker Casillas. Barcelona went on to lift the trophy, beating Manchester United in the final.
REAL MADRID 2-6 BARCELONA | LA LIGA | MAY 2, 2009
Gonzalo Higuain broke the deadlock in this one but that was about as good as it got for Madrid. Messi’s assist saw Thierry Henry draw Barcelona level. Carles Puyol headed in a free-kick while Messi struck twice in the 30th and 75th minute.
Gerard Pique rounded off the scoring as the away side cruised to an emphatic 6-2 win. Messi was in total control and caused the opposition several problems. His run to latch onto Xavi’s through ball and then his subsequent finish for the fifth goal encapsulated his performance.
