The latest edition of the Clasico, the thrilling blockbuster that it was, had numerous defining moments. And these will be remembered for a long time to come. Whether it was the sight of a bloodied Lionel Messi early on in the match, or Sergio Ramos’ ill-timed, ill-fated, two-footed challenge and subsequent red card, or that sublime strike from super-sub James Rodrigues to bring the score to 2-2 and raise the roof of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. One could go on…
There were many subplots going into this match – the chief among them, as has been in recent Clasicos – the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. This was the chance for Cristiano Ronaldo to showcase his superiority and deliver a win. But instead it was his arch-rival, Messi who claimed the honours, and did so in emphatic style.  
The Argentinean’s strike with 13 seconds to go, gave his team a sensational victory and more importantly, a massive boost in their title ambitions. This win comes after they had been knocked out of the Champions League by Juventus. Their coach Luis Enrique will be leaving the club at the end of the season. Uncertainty was the key word and with murmurs of Barca no longer being the threat that they were used to be, this Messi goal has ripped apart that script. 
There may have been better Clasicos but not many have been this closely-fought or this dramatic. A win for Madrid, or even a draw, would have seen them win the title after a painful five-year absence. But now it could go either way. 
Zinedine Zindane’s Real Madrid have five matches left but they are a couple of prospective hurdles in there. Barca have an easier run to the end of the season, and probably the title. And which is why, that goal from Messi will be talked about for many seasons to come. 
Before this game, Messi had not scored for three years against Madrid. He scored twice yesterday. The match-winning goal was his 47th of the season and momentously, his 500th for Barcelona. And he chose a perfect moment to achieve that staggering landmark for his club. 
It was the dying seconds of a Clasico where his team were not quite the favourites, a match that his team had to win or end up conceding the title to their arch-rivals, end up conceding the title to his arch-rival. But Messi didn’t let that happen. 
“Just imagine, his 500th goal coming here, a winner in the 92nd minute at the Santiago Bernabeu,” said Barca coach Luis Enrique, full of praise for Messi. The legend has grown further.

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