Lionel Messi scores stunning stoppage-time winner as Barcelona win Clasico thriller
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Updated 24/04/2017 at 09:17 GMT
La Liga, Santiago Bernabeu – Real Madrid 2 (Casemiro 28', James 85') Barcelona 3 (Messi 33', 90', Rakitic 73')
Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates a goal during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 23, 2017.
Image credit: Getty Images
Lionel Messi scored a dramatic stoppage time goal to clinch a Clasico win for Barcelona to draw the Catalans level with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
The hosts looked to have done enough for a point, despite the sending off of Sergio Ramos, with James Rodriguez scoring a late equaliser. But Messi netted deep into added time to give Barcelona the win that could ultimately save their season.
Real Madrid took the lead after 28 minutes when Casemiro finished from close range after Ramos had hit the post from a free-kick. Barcelona levelled through Messi soon after, dribbling past two Real defenders before finishing past Keylor Navas.
Ivan Rakitic’s stunning strike from the edge of the box to put the visitors 2-1 looked to have shifted the clash in Barcelona’s favour, especially after the dismissal of Ramos for a rash challenge on Messi, but James scored against the odds to make it 2-2, only for Messi to decide it late on, putting the buffers on Real Madrid’s title charge.
TALKING POINT - Zinedine Zidane’s decision to start Gareth Bale cost Real Madrid
Zidane’s call to hand Bale a starting spot was surprising, with the Welsh winger still recovering from injury. Indeed, he only lasted 38 minutes, with Real Madrid’s game plan scrapped as he limped off having aggravated his hamstring. Bale could now be out for a number of weeks when his team needs him most. Zidane’s decision backfired.
MAN OF THE MATCH - Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen kept Barcelona in the game with a number of important saves, but Messi was the difference maker for the Catalans. His first goal came at a crucial point of the contest, equalising just as Real Madrid were looking to tighten their grip, with his second coming deep into stoppage time. Messi was the driving force behind this Barcelona win, with Enrique’s side back in the thick of the title race.
PLAYER RATINGS
Real Madrid - Navas 8, Carvajal 7, Ramos 4, Nacho 7, Marcelo 8, Kroos 5, Casemiro 5, Modric 6, Bale 4, Benzema 5, Ronaldo 6. Subs - Asensio 6, James 7, Kovacic 5.
Barcelona - Ter Stegen 8, Roberto 7, Pique 6, Umtiti 5, Alba 7, Busquets 6, Rakitic 7, Iniesta 6, Messi 8, Suarez 5, Paco 5. Subs - Gomes 5.
KEY MOMENTS
3’ RONALDO CLAIM FOR A PENALTY! The Portuguese is adamant that he should have had a spot kick as Umtiti swings a leg in the box. Replays show that he certainly had a strong case.
23’ MESSI IS BLEEDING! The Argentine has taken a real sore one here. Marcelo caught him with an elbow and Messi now has a mouthful of blood. Replays show it was accidental.
29’ GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Barcelona: The home side have the lead! It wasn't a pretty goal, but it's certainly an important one! Marcelo puts the cross into the box, with Ramos hitting the post, but Casemiro was on hand to turn home the finish from close range.
33’ GOAL! Real Madrid 1-1 Barcelona: What an astonishing goal! Fantastic stuff! Messi picks up the ball inside the box, jinks past two Real Madrid defenders and finishes low past Navas. What a wonderful piece of skill from the Argentine! Barcelona are level again!
38’ BALE IS DOWN! This was the risk attached with playing the Welsh winger this evening. Bale has hit the ground and it looks like he will have to be replaced here. He's still struggling with injury. Asensio will come on.
47’ NAVAS GETS AWAY WITH ONE! The Real Madrid goalkeeper gets caught under the ball from a corner kick, but Messi puts his volley wide at the back post. That was a sitter by his standards.
67’ RONALDO MISSES A SITTER! That should have been 2-1 to Real Madrid! Fantastic play from Asensio on the counter attack sets up Ronaldo for the finish, but it was slightly behind him and he scoops over the bar.
69’ SUAREZ SHOULD HAVE SCORED! Now Barcelona pass up a glorious opportunity. Iniesta found Suarez with a fantastic ball into the box, but Navas makes a stunning save to deny him.
73’ GOAL! Real Madrid 1-2 Barcelona: What a sensational goal! Barcelona have taken the lead with 15 minutes to play. Rakitic cuts inside on to his left foot and arrows a shot into the far corner of the net. Navas had no chance of making the save!
78’ SENT OFF! Ramos has been shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Messi. The Bernabeu is up in arms! Real Madrid have been reduced to 10 men and are up against it now.
86’ GOAL! Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona: That could be a massive goal in the context of the Spanish Liga season! Marcelo gets a cross to the near post and James was on hand to finish. 10 man Real Madrid are level at 2-2!
92’ GOAL! Real Madrid 2-3 Barcelona: Can you believe it? Messi has scored the winner for Barcelona and the Liga title race has been blown wide open! Th Argentine finishes into the bottom left corner after a cut back by Alba. That is a huge goal!
KEY STATS
- Lionel Messi scored his 500th goal for Barcelona in all competitions.
- Gareth Bale became the third British player to make 100 appearances in La Liga after David Beckham and Gary Lineker.
- Messi is now the all-time top-scorer in Liga Clasicos (16), surpassing Alfredo Di Stefano (14).
MATCH IN A TWEET
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