Playing for 90
Fansided

Five things we learned from May’s El Clásico fixture

By Roy Emanuel

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 06: Barcelon players celebrate with fans after the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 06: Barcelon players celebrate with fans after the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 06: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 06: Lionel Messi of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at Camp Nou on May 6, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /

Messi cannot be stopped

It is at the point now where adjectives and descriptions for Lionel Messi are completely useless, as the Barcelona magician continues to dazzle and amaze fans with his incredible skill and spectacular finishing in front of goal.

After Sergi Roberto’s red card in the first half and the scoreline at 1-1, it was no surprise to see Barca manager Ernesto Valverde look to a more defensive alignment. Philippe Coutinho was subbed off for defender Nelson Semedo, and the home side appeared set to sit back deeper and fight to keep their unbeaten league record in-tact.

For a short amount of time, that was what Catalan supporters witnessed. Then Luis Suarez fought for the ball near midfield in the 52nd minute, and played a wonderful pass forward to the Argentine number ten. From there, Messi took care of the rest.

The 30-year-old made a move to his left, and fired a shot past Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas to give Barcelona a 2-1 lead. Fading off the ball literally during the entire movement, it was an astonishing example of the abilities that have made him one of the all-time best footballers (and there still seems to be plenty left in his tank).

With the 2018 FIFA World Cup on the horizon next month, it is exciting to see Lionel Messi at the top of his game.

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