Top of the class
Striker scores 500th goal to lift Barca to victory over Real
Striker Lionel Messi (top) is mobbed by team-mates after scoring for Barcelona against Real Madrid in the La Liga at the Bernabeu on Sunday. Messi scored twice in the 3-2 win to take his goal tally for Barca to 500.
MADRID: Barcelona coach Luis Enrique revelled in turning the tables on bitter rivals Real Madrid as Lionel Messi struck deep into stoppage time to edge a thrilling Clasico 3-2.
Messi’s second goal of the night was his 500th for Barcelona and took the Catalans to the top of La Liga.
“He is the best player for me in history and I have seen a lot of football,” said Enrique.
“In modern football when everyone is tactically and physically better he still makes the difference.
“The fact he has scored his 500th goal shows all of us as Barca fans are lucky to have him identified with the club.”
The timing of Messi’s strike also saw Barcelona gain revenge for Sergio Ramos’ stoppage time equaliser in a 1-1 draw when the sides last met back in December.
“It is marvellous for us to win in the 92nd minute. It is something that is normally more a characteristic of our rivals but we like to do it too,” added Enrique.
Barcelona lead at the top of the table thanks to their better head-to- head record. Real, though, still have the advantage as they have a game in hand.
“To score in the 92nd minute is a huge confidence boost,” said Enrique, who will leave the club at the end of the season.
However, he and Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta called on Messi, whose contract expires at the end of next season, not to follow him in leaving the Nou Camp.
“Barca is an incredible club with many years of history but without doubt an important part of that history is Leo Messi,” Enrique said.
“I think the great thing about Leo is that he continues to surprise,” said Iniesta.
“After so many years he is still decisive. It is an honour and a blessing for the club to have him.”
By contrast, Real boss Zinedine Zidane was left to lament his side’s over adventurous nature after conceding in stoppage time after being reduced to 10 men.
Messi had cancelled out Casemiro’s opener before half-time.
But Barcelona looked well on the road to victory when Ivan Rakitic’s stunning effort put the visitors 2-1 in front before Real captain Sergio Ramos was sent off for a wild lunge on Messi.
However, Real rallied when a man down as substitute James Rodriguez fired home an equaliser four minutes from time.
“Drawing the game with 10 men, to press high up the field is danger- ous and we paid for that,” said Zidane.
“I can’t criticise the players for anything though. We gave our all but we didn’t manage to get the three points. We didn’t deserve to lose but that is football.”
Real now need to take at least 16 points from their final six La Liga games to be guaranteed the title.
“There will be much more of a title race but it is still in our own hands,” added Zidane.
Real were also dealt a fresh injury blow for the remainder of their league season and upcoming Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid as Gareth Bale faces another spell on the sidelines.
The Welshman lasted just 38 minutes on his return after missing Real’s last two outings with persistent ankle problems.
“I don’t regret anything,” said Zidane over his decision to start Bale.
“I am disappointed for him. He started the game well and then the injuries we can’t control.
“We will see what exactly the injury is and hope it is as little as possible.” — AFP
He is the best player for me in history and I have seen a lot of football. The fact he has scored his 500th goal shows all of us as Barca fans are lucky to have him identified with the club.
Luis Enrique