On the 27th of April 2011, Estadio Santiago Bernabéu was hosting a legendary El Clásico for the first leg of the 2011 UEFA Champions League Semi-finals. Real Madrid vs Barcelona, José Mourinho vs Pep Guardiola, Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi. The stakes couldn't be any higher for the two club giants and the excitement couldn't be any higher from football fans around the world.
In a match that included a tactical approach from both sides rather than attacking football, one man made the difference in an ecstatic way. Lionel Messi struck twice to give Barcelona a decisive lead which was enough to send Barcelona to the 2011 Champions League final, where they cemented their tremble against Manchester United.
Messi at the peak of his powers was utterly unplayable and he proved it once again in this game. The most memorable moment of this evening took place during the 87th minute of the game, where Messi scored one of the best goals of his careers against his clubs biggest rivals. After receiving the ball at the halfway line, he made a run from the midfield all the away towards the defense of Real Madrid, dribbling around every opponent and scoring the 0-2. L. Diarra, Albiol, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos and finally, Casillas all tried but ultimately couldn't stop Messi from scoring his best goal against Real Madrid.
The commentator, Peter Drury, couldn't hide his admiration as his iconic words echoed:
"But here is Messi. Away from 2, 3, 4...wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. How good is he...a near-supernatural goal from Lionel Messi. He has wriggled and tip-toed his way to the gates of Wembley Stadium. He is just brilliant. Best player in the world bar none."