21 April,2012 10:39 PM IST | | Shawn D'souza
It's the clash of the titans tonight. The Catalans will be taking on the mighty Galacticos. Defenders from both teams are sweating over how to keep Messi and Ronaldo in check.
El Clasico matches have made for some of the most entertaining, jaw-dropping and thrilling moments in football. And before the two giants take the field tonight, we race back through time to take you through a journey of the top 5 games between these two teams.
Ruud van Nistelrooy . Pic: Santa Bantau00a0
When the two teams met in 2006, most believed it would be Ronaldinho running rings around the Madrid defence. But it was Raul who got on the scoreboard first, that too in a span of two minutes. This was followed by Ruud Van Nistelrooy's brilliant second goal that revived Real Madrid's hopes in the season.
This game will be remembered for two names - Raul and Rivaldo (besides a little controversial twist). Star striker Raul netted the first goal early on, but Rivaldo quickly equalized. Within barely a minute, Raul replied again with another goal putting Madrid in the lead. But with just 20 minutes of play time remaining Rivaldo replied with another goal that leveled the score. There was an apparent third goal shot by the Brazilian striker, which was disallowed. On this night there clearly were only two stars shining.
Raul Gonsazles.u00a0Pic: Santa Bantau00a0
This game definitely will be remembered as one of the grandest of them all for it had the finest football stars of that particular time. With the likes of Zidane, Ronaldo, Owen and Raul who showcased their talent by netting one each for Madrid, while it was Ronaldinho and E'to who scored for Barcelona. This 2005 clash was one of the most memorable El Clasico games.
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On this night at Camp Nou, Real Madrid looked to have taken total control of the Catalans with Ruud Van Nistlerooy scoring a brace. But Barca striker Lionel Messi had other plans. He netted two for the team as well but it was the defining third goal that got jaws dropping. After gliding through the Madrid defence Messi shot an epic goal which carved his name into the history books of football!
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Ronaldinho.u00a0Pic: Santa Bantau00a0
The 2005 clash between the Glacticos and the Catalans was the most memorable game in El Clasico history with Brazilian legend and football magician Ronaldinho playing one of the finest games in his entire career. It was a one-man massacre at the Bernabau that night with Brazilian showcasing some of the finest tricks in football. Believe you me; this single-man demolition act received a standing ovation by the crowd. A game and player like this comes along just once.
