Barcelona revived their hopes of claiming the La Liga title this season as they earned a late 3-2 win over Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
The match was billed as a final for Barcelona. And as the Blaugrana stepped onto the field, they played the tie like a final. Despite missing Neymar, Lionel Messi stepped up to the cause and the Argentine’s late stoppage-time winner ensured a 3-2 win over 10-man Real Madrid.
The Argentine was showered with plaudits on the social media as the Barcelona fans and neutrals too, sang praises of the player.
Love Messi ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/UfTF7TvhPN
— Messi World (@MessiWorId) April 24, 2017
Stand up and applaud Messi pic.twitter.com/GokbrYsuyj
— Neymar Jr. (@Neymarvellous) April 24, 2017
Things Messi uses to have fun.. pic.twitter.com/7PVgf0vf58
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) April 24, 2017
Only Messi can be better than Messi at celebrating. pic.twitter.com/RhIi5Qa9QS
— FCBdaily (@FCBdaily) April 24, 2017
BREAKING: Lionel Messi is now called ionel Messi after donating the L to Madrid.
— Barcelona Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) April 24, 2017
He tried to fool us in start that he is only a human
But no human can hold a shirt like that,
GOD #Messi #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/j9hczu4krY— Salman Khan Fan Club (@prasanb22) April 24, 2017
I just really can’t put into words all the joy that Lionel Messi has brought to my life
— Cris (@serendipities) April 24, 2017
Messi is honestly the GOAT!
— J HUS (@Jhus) April 23, 2017
Lucky to watch Messi play ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/rfguCt9Yw5
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) April 23, 2017
The fans applauded the whole Barcelona side in general, as they are now back in the title race, with a thumping late win over Real Madrid, especially after the Juventus debacle.
Barcelona won 6 of the last 9 Liga Clasicos played at the Bernabeu, Madrid won only 2 pic.twitter.com/BGWUi4spU3
— adil (@Barca19stats) April 23, 2017
Congratulations Barcelona. Great stuff. Immense victory.
— ‘Zatore (@Cerebrone) April 23, 2017
Barcelona’s win against Madrid will end up like their remontada against PSG, worth nothing, remember that.
— ⓫Abdallah M.⓫ (@Abdallah_rm11) April 23, 2017
Barcelona are the first team to beat Real Madrid at the Bernabéu in #LaLiga since 27th February 2016.
Ending their 22-game unbeaten run. pic.twitter.com/kfQ6VZLKuk
— 8 Fact Football (@8Fact_Footballl) April 23, 2017
People also praised Ivan Rakitic for his amazing long-range goal that gave Barcelona the lead at 1-1 and was, in general, a star on the night.
Ivan Rakitic’s game by numbers vs. Real Madrid:
100% take-ons completed
96% pass acc.
48 passes
6 crosses
3 chances created
1 superb goal pic.twitter.com/4Egncq7YY4— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 23, 2017
Goallll! Absolute pelter from Rakitic.
— Hayley B (@Hayles_101) April 23, 2017
Messi aside. This is an appreciation tweet for
ter Stegen
Alba
Sergi Roberto
Busquets, and
RakiticGreat game by these 5 tonight ????
— LANRE FCB. (@TheMooreUWant_1) April 23, 2017
That hit from Rakitic pic.twitter.com/uazPm5BbiZ
— El Máestro (@ElMaestrofcb) April 23, 2017
RAKITIC WITH A ROCKETIC⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ #ElClasico
— Juan Direction (@JuanDirection58) April 23, 2017
WHAT A GOAL RAKITIC!
— Spencer (@Huge_Gorilla) April 23, 2017