Two goals from Lionel Messi saw FC Barcelona defeat archrivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
In an ill-tempered affair that saw Barca substitute goalkeeper José Pinto, Real defender Pepe and Real manager Jose Mourinho red carded, Messi opened the scoring in the 76th when he latched onto Ibrahim Affellay’s well-placed pass from outside the box. The FIFA World Player ofthe Year got his second after he skillfully eluded three Real Madrid players from 35 yards out before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Iker Casillas in the 87th.
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas; Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo; Xabi Alonso, Pepe, Lass; Ozil (Adebayor, min. 46), Di María, Cristiano Ronaldo
FC Barcelona: Víctor Valdés; Dani Alves; Piqué, Mascherano, Puyol; Xavi, Busquets, Keita; Pedro (Afellay, min. 71), Messi, Villa (Sergi Roberto, min. 90)