Messi turns tables on 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 El Clasico 3-2 on Sunday night.
Messi’s second goal of the night was his 500th for Barcelona and took the Catalans to the top of La Liga.
“For me, Messi is the best player in history – and I have seen a lot of football,” Enrique said afterwards.
“In modern football, when everyone is tactically and physically better, he still makes the difference,” he said.
“As Barca fans, we are very lucky to have him identified with the club.”
Barca is on top of the table thanks to their better head-to-head record.
Madrid, though, still have the advantage as they have a game in hand.
“Barca is an incredible club with many years of history, but without doubt an important part of that history is Leo Messi,” Enrique said.
Captain Andres Iniesta said: “The great thing about Leo is that he continues to surprise. After so many years he is still decisive.
“It is an honour and a blessing for the club to have him.”
By contrast, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was left to lament his side’s over adventurous nature after being reduced to 10 men and conceding in stoppage time.
Messi had cancelled out a Casemiro opener before half time.
A stunning Ivan Rakitic effort put the visitors 2-1 in front, before Madrid captain Sergio Ramos was sent off.
But Madrid still rallied and substitute James Rodriguez fired home an equaliser four minutes from time.
Zidane said: “Drawing the game with 10 men, to press high up the field is dangerous and we paid for that.”
Madrid now need at least 16 points from their final six La Liga games to be guaranteed the title. – AFP