We’re so close to El Clasico that we can taste it.
Saturday, all memory of the past couple of draws and ugly performances will vanish. It’s the Blaugrana vs. Los Blancos, the giants of not only Spain, but Europe, and world football.
There have been some wild moments in this enormous rivalry, and whether you believe throwing a pig’s head at Luis Figo is worthy of “best moment” candidacy, we’ll stick strictly to on the pitch. Without adieu, here are some of the best El Clasico moments from the Barcelona side, in no particular order.
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2011 Champions League Semis
While the two clubs square off in La Liga action, there have been several great moments between the giants in cup competitions, and one of the best came in 2011.
While feisty Portuguese defender Pepe was watching from the dressing room, Lionel Messi scored two late goals at the Bernabeu, including this stunner:
Barcelona would hang on in the return leg, and advance to the final where they took care of Manchester United. As brilliant as it is to win a final, especially a Champions League final, nothing is much sweeter than seeing your rivals off en route to taking that cup.
Ronaldinho Wows the Bernabeu
Just over 11 years ago, Barcelona marched into the Bernabeu with their mercurial star Ronaldinho and a decent striker by the name of Samuel Eto’o to face off with their enemies.
With Lionel Messi hardly the figure he is today, but still out injured, Eto’o opened the scoring, but it was Ronaldinho who would steal the day.
The Brazilian legend scored two goals of the highest quality, and earned something not too many Barcelona greats have—an ovation from the rival crowd. Yes, the Bernabeu stood and clapped for Ronaldinho after his incredible performance, and deservedly so for one of the best moments El Clasico has ever seen.
Iniesta Follows Suit
Did you say standing ovation at the Bernabeu? Andres Iniesta is part of the elite club of recipients of such applause, joining that group just over a year ago. I chronicled it when writing on Iniesta’s 20 years at the club, but it’s worth another look.
Iniesta scored a goal and added an assist in Barcelona’s dominant 4-0 victory over Madrid, and was handed the applause that only Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona had received before him when Munir replaced him.
Who knows, if Iniesta is healthy like reports say, maybe he can deliver another world-class performance like in 2015.
5-0
With Pep Guardiola at the helm, Barcelona took care of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in 2010, perhaps in one of their best ever performances under the now-Manchester City coach.
Again, a November clash just over six years ago was the setting, and Guardiola’s team dominated from the outset. Though Messi did not score, he controlled the match, and allowed for the Blaugrana to demolish their rivals.
Xavi (remember him, kind of a legend) scored first, while Pedro scored, David Villa added two, and former youth player Jeffren added the dagger with a fifth.
Iniesta’s masterclass in the 4-0 drubbing was something else, but this was a team effort. It was the epitome of everything Pep Guardiola preached in his days at the Camp Nou. It’s something Barcelona can only hope to recreate on Saturday.
Three for Messi
Well, there had to be a strictly Lionel Messi moment, right?
The fifth and final wonderful Barcelona moment came in March of 2007. A 19-year-old Lionel Messi became the first player in 12 years to score a hat trick in El Clasico.
The brilliance we have come to know and love from the Argentine wizard was on full display that day. It was a real shame it only resulted in a point for Barcelona, as the match ended 3-3. However, each time Madrid took the lead, twice through Ruud van Nistelrooy and once via Sergio Ramos, Messi struck back, leveling the game three times.
The final act in the drama came in added time, when Messi sifted past defenders and slotted home, earning Barcelona the point, and making sure everybody knew his name.