Every football fan looks forward to 'El Clásico', this is the name given to the matches between fierce rivals Real Madrid and F.C. Barcelona. They are often special games but on this day the football world witnessed one of the most unthinkable events. A Barcelona player getting a standing ovation in the Bernebéu, Real Madrid's home ground. This is a tribute that had only ever been previously paid to one player, and that was the great Diego Maradonna. To fully appreciate and understand how unlikely this is to happen you must know the history of the two clubs, both footballing and political.
Real Madrid's home, the Santiago Bernabéu has a capacity of 85,454
Barcelona got off to a flying start, going ahead after just 14 minutes through a Samuel Eto'o toe poke. The rest of the first half saw the Madrid players completely outclassed and chasing the shadows of the Barcelona players. After 60 minutes Ronaldinho picked the ball up on the left hand side of the half way line, he skipped by Sergio Ramos leaving him literally on his arse, rounded Ivan Helguera and placed his shot past Casillas into the bottom far corner. The Brazillian repeated his skills on 78 minutes, once again leaving Ramos eating his dust, flying into the area and finishing past Casillas. Barcelona were 3-0 up and the humiliating rout was complete. This game was undoubtly a poor showing from the home team, but more importantly an absolute master class from a team that has since developed into one of the best club teams the world has ever seen.
A Barcelona player getting a standing ovation in the Bernabéu may never happen again but if it does, I would put my money on Lionel Messi being responsible!
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