We will take a look back to one of the most iconic goals ever scored in Barcelona’s history by the great Lionel Messi. This astonishing goal came against Real Madrid in the 2010/11 Champions League semi-final stage.
The Buildup to the game
The buildup to this El Clásico was charged with intensity, as two of the most fierce rivals were prepared for the clash at the Santiago Bernabéu. The stakes to this game were high following the 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Camp Nou. For Barcelona, Pedro Rodríguez opened the scoring at 54′ min and Marcelo equalized at 64′ ending the first leg level.
The Managerial War
Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona were ready to impose their richly famous possession-based football, on the other hand, José Mourinho’s Madrid aimed to play solid defensively and hurt Barcelona on the counter-attacks.
The atmosphere was further ignited by the ongoing war of words between both legendary coaches, with Guardiola responding to Mourinho’s mind games in a fiery pre-match press conference.
The Faceoff Between the Bests
The personal rivalry of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo added extra intensity to the buildup, with both individuals being in great form. Both players were at their peak form, dominating every game they played.
The narrative of this game depended on every touch, every moment of brilliance, and every decisive action in this fiery clash. These games were a deciding point on who was better than the other.
Lineups
Barcelona’s lineup for this game: Victor Valdes (GK), Gerard Pique, Javier Mascherano, Carles Puyol, Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, Villa, and Pedro
Real Madrid’s lineup for this game: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo, Arbeola, Xabi Alonso, Pepe, Diarra, Ozil, Di Maria, and Ronaldo
Both teams had strong lineups on paper and this was one of the most anticipated El Classico.
The Match
Barcelona controlled the game with their possession tiki-taka tactic and dictated the tempo at Real Madrid’s home. Barcelona keeping possession of the ball made Real Madrid struggle to get a foothold in the match. On the other hand, Madrid was strong defensively and was not giving any space for Barcelona to get through.
Barcelona broke the deadlock, thanks to Messi who scored a difficult tap-in shot in Real Madrid’s box to make it 1-0 in the 76 min. Later on, at 87′ Messi showcased a moment of pure magic, Messi picked up the ball near the halfway line from Sergio Busquets and made a dazzling solo run, Messi went weaving past four Real Madrid defenders, with his signature close control and fiery pace, he calmly placed the ball past Casillas to make it 2-0. It was a goal that showcased Messi’s genius and epitomized his ability to rise in the biggest moments.
The famous commentary on this goal still gives goosebumps to every football fan and this goal is regarded as one of the best in the history of football.
Ray Hudson: “Here he is again. That’s astonishing. It’s absolutely world-class. One, two, three defenders… wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! How good is he?! He is just brilliant! That is beyond description… The best player in the world, bar none.”