Messi magic propels Barca win in El Clasico thriller
Lionel Messi's last-kick winner against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu drove Barcelona to a thrilling 3-2 victory, blowing the La Liga title race wide open. The little magician netted twice during the Sunday night El Clasico which marked Messi's 500th goal for the Catalan club. It also brought an end to the Argentine's 3-year goalless drought against Real Madrid.
El Clasico in numbers
When it comes to sports rivalries it doesn't get any bigger than the El Clasico - the clash between the Spanish football giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. Both the sides faced each other 234 times - Real Madrid won 93 times, Barca won 92 times, and there were 49 draws (including the latest Barca win). El Clasico has a viewership of 500 million people.
El Clasico match win with biggest margin
The biggest El Clasico win came on 13 June 1943 when Real Madrid beat Barcelona 11-1 in the second leg of Copa del Rey semi-final.
Messi's records
Apart from being Barcelona's top scorer with 500 goals, Messi is also La Liga's top scorer with 343 goals in the Spanish league, and is the top El Clasico scorer with 23 goals against Real Madrid.
Match as it happened
While Real Madrid took the lead with Casemiro's 28th minute goal, the visitors responded with an equalizer from Messi in the first half. Ivan Rakitic's goal put Barca ahead 2-1 and soon the Madrid side were a man down after Sergio Ramos was sent off for a two-footed lunge. Substitute James Rodriguez levelled the scoreline before Messi's stunning finish sealed the victory for Barca.
La Liga standings
After the latest El Clasico, Barcelona are level with Real Madrid in the La Liga points table. With 75 points each, Barca sit on top as they have a better head to head record of the two, the primary criterion used to decide such cases. On the other hand Barcelona played a game more (33) than Real's 32, making the title race really interesting.
