As El Clasico approaches, we revisit the moments Lionel Messi left Real Madrid’s defence in tatters at the Santiago Bernabeu
As the much-anticipated El Clasico approaches on October 27th at 12:30 AM IST, all eyes will be on the Santiago Bernabeu. Real Madrid is presently second in La Liga with 24 points from 10 matches (7 wins, 3 draws), following Barcelona, who leads the standings with 27 points from 9 victories and one defeat.
Real Madrid overturned a 5-2 victory against Borussia Dortmund with a remarkable second-half performance led by Vinícius Júnior's hat-trick. Meanwhile, Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich by 4-1, with Brazilian prodigy Rapinha scoring a hat-trick and former Bayern man Robert Lewandowski scoring the other.
The stakes are significant, the history is rich, and Messi is no longer on the roster. This is a new type of Clasico. The Argentine has an excellent record against Real Madrid, having scored 26 goals and assisted 14 times in 45 games. As we move forward, let us recall the days when the Argentine genius tore Real Madrid apart in unforgettable matches.
Real Madrid 5-2 Dortmund
— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 (@TheMahleek) October 23, 2024
Barcelona 4-1 Bayern Munich
The El Clasico this weekend might be the best we’ve seen in a long time. 🔥
Will you be there🫵🏽 pic.twitter.com/dlNXWCyj5p
It was April 2017, and the Bernabeu fans had hardly gathered their breath when Lionel Messi produced one of the most memorable moments in El Clasico history. With the game deadlocked at 2-2 in the 92nd minute, Jordi Alba snuck in a beautiful pass for Messi, who stroked the ball past Keylor Navas (3-2). This wasn't just any goal; it was his 500th for Barcelona, solidifying his reputation as a club icon.
Messi 500th goal was 93rd minute Matchwinner vs Real Madrid. Levels. 🤫 pic.twitter.com/bUpUL3flOP
— Nico (@NicohipsterNico) April 3, 2023
But Messi wasn't finished. His celebration was a memorable moment in El Clasico history. He removed his shirt and held it up, confronting the angry spectators, demonstrating his authority in the most rebellious manner imaginable. Cristiano Ronaldo would eventually imitate this audacious remark, a reference to the monarch of the Bernabeu.
El Clásico in the Champions League? It was rare, but when it did happen, Messi made sure to make his imprint. Messi once again displayed his magic at the Bernabeu during the semi-final first leg of the 2010-11 season. Barcelona triumphed 2-0, with Messi scoring both goals, displaying his range.
The first resulted from a superbly timed run to a cross at the front post—a poacher's finish. The second, however, was classic Messi: taking up the ball well inside the Real Madrid half, he slid past four players one by one before calmly placing it past Iker Casillas.
While Barca's 2013-14 season was not particularly successful, Messi made the Santiago Bernabeu his stage with an exciting 4-3 triumph. Real Madrid, boosted by Cristiano Ronaldo and an elite team, were favourites at home. But Messi had other ideas.
He not only scored a hat-trick, but he also assisted Andrés Iniesta for Barcelona's first goal. Messi took the penalty with a score of 3-3 and time running down. The Bernabeu held its breath as he calmly slid the ball home, clinching the victory. Barcelona finished second in La Liga that season, one goal ahead of Real Madrid on goal difference; hence, Messi's performance in this Clasico was crucial.
The 2008-09 season under Pep Guardiola was a symphony of football excellence, with Barca winning a record-breaking six titles. However, the jewel in their crown was perhaps the 2-6 humiliation of Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in May 2009.
Barcelona destroyed its competitors, with Messi serving as the lead architect. The Argentine set up Thierry Henry's opening goal before scoring twice himself, the third and fifth goals of Barca scored by the GOAT highlighting Barcelona's dominance.
