El Clasico: 5 best matches between Barcelona and Real Madrid
As Barcelona and Real Madrid prepare for the 238th Clasico, much is at stake for the hosts who have already sealed La Liga honors this season. The rivalry is one of the fiercest in the world and the most awaited meeting every year. With Real already refusing to give Barca the guard of honour, let's relieve the best matches over the years.
Real Madrid 0-3 Barcelona: La Liga 2005-06
It was a match of the highest order when eventual La Liga and Champions League winners Barcelona gave the 'Galacticos' of Real Madrid a thumping lesson. At the Bernabeu, Real were exposed having their first shot on target in the 76th minute. It was Ronaldinho's spectacular dual goals midway through the second half and an opener by Samuel that defeated a star-studded Real.
Barcelona 3-3 Real Madrid: La Liga 2006-07
This match went one way and then the other. Real went ahead with Ruud van Nistelrooy scoring in the fifth minute itself before Lionel Messi equalized. The Dutch striker then gave his side the lead again in 13th minute, but Messi scored once again moments later. Real thought they had the winner when Sergio Ramos scored, but Messi completed his hat-trick in 90th minute.
Real Madrid 4-1 Barcelona - La Liga 2007-08
Barcelona had given Real guard of honour for winning the Spanish League prior to the game. But the hosts were in no mood to repay any favour as they brushed aside their rivals 4-1 in front of a packed Bernabeu. The likes of superstars Raul, Robben, Higuain and Van Nistelrooy stormed on the pitch to hammer Barca. Thierry Henry scored a consolation.
Barcelona 5-0 Real Madrid - La Liga 2010-11
This was one of the most defining matches between the two top rivals. Pep Guardiola's Barca were on song that season that saw them win nearly everything that was on offer. A 5-0 pasting at the Nou Camp in a classic Tiki-taka football, took every fan's breath away. Goals from Xavi, Pedro and a double from David Villa never allowed Real to recover.
Real Madrid 3-4 Barcelona - La Liga 2013-14
This was another Messi show all the way. A supreme hat-trick in the biggest game on earth had the Argentine's name written all over it. Andres Iniesta dictated the play as Barca ripped off a thriller. At half-time a brace from Karim Benzema and goals from Iniesta and Messi ensured it stayed at 2-2. Three penalties in second half changed the complexion.
