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James Rodriguez appeared to have rescued a point for the
hosts with an 86th-minute strike to make it 2-2 after goals by
Messi and Ivan Rakitic had overturned Casemiro's opener.
Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was sent off for a two-footed lunge
on Messi in the 77th minute and that left Barcelona in a strong
position, until Rodriguez fired home at the near post.
But Messi’s second goal in the final minute of added time earned
Barca a vital win in the title race that leaves both sides with
75 points, although Madrid have a game in hand.
The match was a thriller which will go down as one of the best
Clasicos in history, with end-to-end action from the off.
Cristiano Ronaldo was furious when Samuel Umtiti tripped him in
the box and referee Alejandro Jose Hernandez waved away his
appeal, but Barcelona were complaining afterwards when Marcelo
got away with an elbow on Messi.
The Argentine came in for harsh treatment throughout, with
Casemiro lucky not to be sent off for multiple hacks on him
after picking up an early booking for a foul.
The Brazilian opened the scoring for Madrid in the 28th minute,
tapping home at the back post after Ramos had fired Marcelo’s
cross against the post.
Five minutes later Barcelona were level and it was Messi who
finished it, dancing away from Dani Carvajal and slotting the
ball beyond Keylor Navas.
Gareth Bale went off injured towards the end of the first half
and was replaced by Marco Asensio. The youngster set up Ronaldo
in the second period but the Portugal international blasted over
from close range.
Rakitic made him pay with a long-range strike that flew beyond
Navas and then Ramos was dismissed as he lunged in on Messi
recklessly.
Rodriguez leveled the score after he reached Marcelo’s near-post
cross but Messi had the final say, blowing the title race wide
open.
(Editing by Ken Ferris and Clare Fallon)
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