Messi proves real Special One

IN an ugly encounter, Lionel Messi provided a timely reminder of why this four-game sequence between Barcelona and Real Madrid has received such sensational pre-match billing.

Just as the cageyness of the ‘clasicos’ was beginning to annoy, the mercurial Argentine provided enough magic to last all four encounters with two goals — one a spectacular solo effort — all but booking Barcelona’s Champions League final spot in the process.

It could have been a different story for Real and manager Jose Mourinho but the home side overheated in the smouldering Bernabeu while the visitors stayed ice cool.