REAL TITLE HOPES IN A MESSI

R Madrid 2 Barcelona 3

LIONEL MESSI scored a sensational last-minute winner to snatch a dramatic El Clasico victory for Barcelona. The Argentine superstar finished a sublime, sweeping move with just seconds left on the clock for his 500th Barca goal. The Catalan side’s dramatic victory saw them leapfrog their bitter rivals to the top of La Liga, although Real have a game in hand. Casemiro gave Madrid the lead in the 28th minute. Marcelo crossed, Sergio Ramos struck the post from four yards out and Casemiro touched home the rebound. Messi delivered the visitors’ equaliser before the break. Ivan Rakitic played the ball across the box and Luis Suarez let it run for Messi to sweep home. Rakitic made it 2-1 to Barca in the 73rd minute, smashing into the corner from 20 yards. There was another twist in the 77th minute with Madrid defender Ramos shown a straight red card for chopping down Messi. The 10-man hosts levelled in the 86th minute when sub James Rodriguez (left) struck from a Marcelo cross. There was time for one final twist, Barca breaking at pace, Jordi Alba picking out Messi, who made no mistake.

I’M COMING FOR YOU Real tried to rattle Messi, but he got his own back at the Bernabeu