A fiercely contested competition between Barcelona and Real Madrid is always a delight for their fans across the world. The rivalry has only strengthened over the years, with both clubs constantly pulling strings to secure the services of some of the best players. The high-octane encounter provides a palpable, nerve-wracking tension that is hard to match.
Let’s look at some of the most thrilling moments that this historic feud has offered since the start of the 21st century.
Ronaldinho’s magic at the Bernabeu (2005)
The Brazilian is undeniably the most adored and beloved footballer across the world. So, it wasn’t a surprise when an entire stadium in Madrid stood up and applauded his genius after he took apart Real Madrid in their own backyard. The El Clasico fixture back in 2005 was a star-studded affair, with Samuel Eto’o leading the charge for Barcelona until Ronaldinho stepped in, dribbled past two defenders and netted a pair of scintillating goals.
Barcelona won the fixture 3-0 and the encounter is fondly remembered by Barca fans as Ronaldinho’s greatest showmanship.
Messi’s hat-trick on debut (2007)
Lionel Messi came to the party with a performance of a lifetime. Although still finding his feet in the team, Messi unleashed himself on the pitch, and the Real defenders were left with no answers to his magical runs.
Having already scored two goals earlier in the match, the Argentinian was set up brilliantly for the third goal. Real were leading 3-2 but the then 19-year-old ran past the opposition’s defensive line to net his third goal on the night. It was the first of many milestones that Messi has crossed in his glittering career with the Blaugrana.
Real’s 5-0 thrashing at Camp Nou (2010)
‘The Special One’ Jose Mourinho came to Real Madrid with a promise of delivering titles but a stern test against Barca at the Camp Nou wasn’t the ideal start for the Portuguese manager. With Messi deployed as a False nine, Guardiola orchestrated one of the most domineering performances in Barca’s history. Andres Iniesta, Xavi and David Villa, along with Messi, were unstoppable, and despite Real boosting a side with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos, the 5-0 humiliation was beyond repair.
Ronaldo’s ‘Calma’ celebration (2012)
Ronaldo’s iconic celebration became even more endearing as it would effective seal the La Liga title for Real in 2012. Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid netted a record 121 goals in the 2011/12 league campaign.
Barcelona were undefeated in 54 home games and Los Blancos only held a single win in nine attempts against Barca before this. With Sami Khedira opening the scoring, Barca equalised in the 72nd minute. But it only took a minute to upset the Catalan giants as Ronaldo scored the decider in the 73rd minute. His celebration that followed demonstrated clearly that he is present to make a difference.
Gareth Bale’s iconic run in the Copa Del Rey final (2014)
Real’s most expensive signing in 2013 proved to be worth every penny as the Welshman played an instrumental role in realising Los Blanco’s dream of lifting the 10th European Cup. However, his most memorable moment came in the 2014 Copa Del Rey final, when he outran Marc Bartra with his insane sprint and delivered another title-winning goal in the 2013/14 season.
Till day, despite his shaky tenure at the Bernabeu, Bale is hailed as one of the biggest factors that drove Real to Champions League glory after almost 12 years.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Dani Pozo
