The a Clasicoa has always been a feistily fought encounter. While things often turn ugly during these fixtures, a Real Madrid-Barcelona battle has always been one of the best footballing spectacles in Europe.
Though these fixtures are usually replete with spectacular goals, the a Clasicoa has also witnessed some of the funniest moments in Spanish football. Leta s take a look at such incidents as Real Madrid host Barcelona for the first Clasico of the season.
Dani Alves Nutmegs Cristiano Ronaldo a 26 . th October, 2013
With Barcelona leading the game by 2 goals, Dani Alves added salt to the wound as he spectacularly nutmugged Cristiano Ronaldo, forcing Diego Lopez to come to Real Madrida s rescue. Running down the right flank, the Brazilian ran into Cristiano Ronaldo who isna t known for his defensive abilities. As Ronaldo tried to block Alves, the Brazilian skillfully put the ball through Ronaldoa s goal, leaving him on a one-on-one situation with the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Thankfully for them, Dani Alvesa finishing ability was at par with Ronaldoa s defensive prowess as the shot was blocked away by Diego Lopez.
Xabi Alonso teams up with Alvaro Arbeloa to bully Lionel Messi- January 30th, 2013
Playing at the Santiago Bernabeu, Xabi Alonso teamed up with Arbeloa to bully Lionel Messi as the duo took turns to slap him lightly on his cheeks. It all began after Alonso sharply tackled the Argentine international, forcing the ball out of play. As Messi turned to complain to the referee, his protest was cut short by Arbeloa who deliberately slapped him across the face. Messi then turned to the linesman to protest but was then picked on by Xabi Alonso much to his chagrin.
Gareth Bale Vs Sergio Busquets- Copa del Rey Finals, April 16th, 2014
Though Gareth Bale failed to make an immediate impact after joining Real Madrid, the Welshman will probably be best remembered for the goal he scored against Barcelona in the 2014 Copa del Rey finals. With the game level at 1-1, Bale picked up the ball from his own half and despite being shoved into the technical area, recovered in time to run past Marc Bartra only to finish off his run with a neat finish.
However, this video shows the miserable manner in which Sergio Busquets failed to track back as Gareth Bale left him behind in his own half. The Spaniard eventually gives up the chase as he collapses to the ground with Bale running to the corner to celebrate his goal.
Terrified Neymar takes cover as Pepe charges at him – Copa del Rey Finals, April 16th, 2014
While Neymar is clearly adept at provoking a reaction from defenders, Pepe is notorious for losing his cool on the pitch. Hence it is not surprising to see the two clash with each other every time Real Madrid and Barcelona come together. As Neymar clashes with Fabio Coentrao near the penalty box, Pepe can be seen charging towards the Brazilian, leaving him cowering in fear.
Di Maria forces Carlos Puyol into a full split- 26th February, 2013
Having drawn the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final clash 1-1, Real Madrid eased into the finals as they put three past a hapless Barcelona defence at Camp Nou. Angel di Maria was the chief mischief maker who having been released by Sami Khedira, ran menacingly towards the Catalan goal with Carlos Puyol giving chase. Once inside the box, Di Maria expertly maneuvered himself, twisting and turning as he left the Barcelona captain in a full split on the pitch. Though Di Maria’s shot was initially parried away, Cristiano Ronaldo converted the rebound giving Real Madrid a two goal lead.
