5. Messi hat-trick leads Barça over Real Madrid
The Clasico in the 2013-14 at the Bernabeu was Barcelona’s last chance to get back in the title race. Managed by Gerardo “Tata” Martino, the league was a three-team race with Atletico Madrid joining the two Spanish giants.
Andres Iniesta opened the score with a thunderous shot from the left-hand side eluding Diego Lopez. But Madrid came roaring back scoring twice thanks to Angel Di Maria, Karim Benzema and some complicity from the Barcelona defense and goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
But the Catalans responded as Lionel Messi tied the game after picking up a loose ball inside the box. It was here where there was a bit of a tussle following the goal after Cesc Fabregas bumped into Pepe in his attempt to get the ball from the back of the net.
Madrid took the lead after Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded a penalty despite the foul occurring outside the box. It wouldn’t be a Clasico without a controversy now, wouldn’t it?
Once again, Lionel Messi carried the team on his back and scored two penalties completing his hat-trick and giving his team the win. It was an entertaining, back and forth affair, with four goals being scored in the first-half.
Despite it being Martino’s one and only season as manager, he managed to win both Clasico games that season. It was a difficult season off the pitch as he came in due to Tito Vilanova’s cancer returning. They didn’t win any titles but were at least able to deliver two Clasico victories.