Messi the only sheriff in Clasico town

Lionel Messi came to Barcelona's rescue in an enthralling Clasico encounter on Sunday night, with the Argentine bagging a hat-trick as the Catalans twice came from behind to claim a 4-3 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca boss Gerardo Martino had been under increasing scrutiny in the build-up to the match, with the Camp Nou outfit needing to win to retain any realistic hopes of winning La Liga.

And with his countryman in the last-chance saloon, Messi virtually single-handedly dragged Barca towards all three points to ease the pressure on Tata.

Despite losing out on the Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi showed he remains the dominant force in Clasico contests, becoming the all-time leading scorer in the fixture.

His first-half goal was followed by two perfect penalties, and he even set-up Andres Iniesta's opener as well as threading the pass that saw Sergio Ramos sent off, proving he's the only sheriff in town.

Monday, 24 March 2014 13:00

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Bale at Neymar's mercy after Clasico clash

Neymar and Gareth Bale stepped onto the Camp Nou turf for their first taste of a Clasico encounter on Saturday evening, billed as the main supporting cast for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It turned out to be a frustrating night for the Real Madrid star, however, with Bale slicing a couple of efforts high and wide before being hooked by Carlo Ancelotti on the hour mark.

For Neymar, it was a different story. The Brazilian sensation got his side well on the way to a 2-1 victory with the opening goal of the game, picking up on Andres Iniesta's ball through to slot into the corner of the net.

Sunday, October 27, 2013 11:00

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Messi and Ronaldo’s last chance to stop Ribery's Ballon d’Or pursuit

Saturday's El Clasico has extra significance for both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the duo look to halt Franck Ribery's pursuit of the Ballon d'Or.

The France international's scintillating form inspired Bayern Munich in their treble-winning campaign last season and so far this term the 30-year-old has picked up where he left off, which makes him a strong contender to scoop Fifa's highest individual accolade ahead of the Barcelona star and the Real Madrid ace.

Will Messi or Ronaldo be able to put in a Ballon d'Or-winning display at Camp Nou?

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Neymar & Co watch Pepe horror show

Neymar is set to make his El Clasico bow as Barcelona host Real Madrid at Camp Nou on Saturday and the Brazilian insists he is suitably prepared for the inevitable threat posed by Pepe.

The 30-year-old has been involved in his fair share of feisty encounters with Barcelona players, the most notable being when he stamped on Lionel Messi's hand in January 2012.

But Neymar claims he is up to speed with the defender's tricks after he received a video of Pepe's antics from the Brazil Football Confederation before his nation's friendly against Portugal in September.

Friday, October 25, 2013 12:00

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Valdes sees red as Mourinho and Ronaldo keep their Clasico cool

 

It's not been going well for Barcelona of late; they're sailing away with the Spanish title but have hit a rocky patch with a Champions League defeat to AC Milan, a Copa del Rey loss to Real Madrid and a La Liga defeat to los Blancos on Saturday afternoon, leading to pundits declaring the untimely death of The Greatest Team In History.

It all got a bit too much for goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who was sent off by referee Miguel Angel Perez Lasa after repeatedly shouting "You have no shame!" in the official's face for failing to award a late penalty to Barca.

The futures of Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo may be a little uncertain but everything's coming up roses for the Portuguese duo at the moment - now it's just the small matter of beating Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday and reeling in Barca's 13-point lead to attend to... 

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Mourinho orchestrates famous victory as Barca face the music

 

After a season blighted by poor form and in-fighting, the tides finally turned in Real Madrid's favour on Tuesday evening as they sealed a 3-1 victory at the home of rivals Barcelona to earn a place in the Copa del Rey final.

Cristiano Ronaldo's double was followed by a Raphael Varane header - the youngster's second in the two-legged tie - to ensure that Jordi Alba's late goal was nothing more than a consolation.

The £80m-man was quick to hail the side's "perfect" performance, and the joy of victory on their bitter rivals' home turf was clearly etched on Jose Mourinho's face after guiding his side to a famous win in Catalonia. 
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Valdes plays the clown as Barcelona blunder leaves Real Madrid laughing

 

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes has been left looking the clown after his late blunder allowed Real Madrid to pull a goal back in the Supercopa Clasico clash which ended 3-2 on Thursday night.

The first leg at Camp Nou was going in the Catalan giants' favour as goals from Pedro, Lionel Messi and Xavi replied to Cristiano Ronaldo's opening headed goal.

However, Valdes' heavy touch from a pass back led to Angel Di Maria easily pouncing on the loose ball and ensuring the cup competition is not over with the second leg of the tie to be played next Wednesday.

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The night that Real Madrid fell

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Mourinho and Jimmy Jump

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